AKP Phnom Penh, January 09, 2026 -- The United States will continue to work closely with Cambodia and Thailand to ensure peace based on the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord signed in October last year, said H.E. Michael George DeSombre, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs.

Speaking at a virtual press briefing this afternoon, Assistant Secretary DeSombre said that promoting peace is one of the main reasons for his current visit to Bangkok and his upcoming visit to Phnom Penh tomorrow.

Addressing the ongoing border tensions between the two countries, he noted that multilateral mechanisms, including the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), would play an important role in preserving the peace accord.

Assistant Secretary DeSombre acknowledged that conflicts are often difficult to resolve and take time, adding that periods of renewed fighting followed by resolution are part of the broader peace process.

Referring to the Jan. 6, 2026 incident, he said Cambodia and Thailand have demonstrated progress in maintaining the ceasefire, which was resolved through direct communication between military commanders on the ground, without any retaliation.

“This is a good indication of the stability of this new ceasefire,” he underlined.

Regarding the US$45 million in financial assistance pledged to Cambodia and Thailand to support border stability, Assistant Secretary DeSombre said the funding package is still in process. He noted that it was announced in Thailand today and will be announced in Cambodia tomorrow.

“We will be discussing with both sides how the funds will be allocated, but we are very committed to ensuring that these resources are used to support displaced persons along the border, demining efforts, and the fight against scam centres,” he said.

The United States remains optimistic that both Cambodia and Thailand are committed to maintaining peace and ultimately resolving their border disputes, he added, stressing that achieving lasting peace is the most effective way to protect civilians from conflict.

By Heng Panha