US Allocates $45 Million to Fortify Thailand-Cambodia Ceasefire

Post by : Mina Rahman

The United States has unveiled a significant aid package worth $45 million, aimed at reinforcing a fragile ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia. This truce was originally established with substantial involvement from former President Donald Trump, during his visit to Malaysia in October, which led to the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords by both nations.

Michael DeSombre, the US Assistant Secretary for East Asia, disclosed that $20 million of this aid will specifically target pressing challenges such as drug trafficking and the rise of cyber scams, notably impacting Cambodia. These issues have surfaced as major threats to regional stability.

Additionally, $15 million will be earmarked for border stabilization initiatives, aimed at assisting those displaced by recent conflicts. Another $10 million will focus on de-mining operations and the clearance of unexploded ordnance, ensuring safer conditions in the disputed border regions.

DeSombre held discussions with senior officials from both Thailand and Cambodia in Bangkok and Phnom Penh to review the status and execution of the peace accords. He reasserted the US's dedication to assisting both governments in their pursuit of enduring peace, prosperity, and stability in the region.

The border conflict, which stems from a historical dispute dating back to colonial-era demarcations by France, flared up last month following the collapse of a previously brokered ceasefire in July involving Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The renewed hostilities, lasting 20 days, resulted in over 100 fatalities and displaced more than half a million individuals from both nations.

Although Thailand initially alleged that Cambodia breached the latest ceasefire, this claim was subsequently retracted after Cambodia clarified that the incident was due to accidental fire. Cambodia continues to urge Thailand to withdraw its forces from various contested border regions claimed by Phnom Penh.

The US has vested strategic interests in the region, maintaining a long-standing alliance with Thailand while seeking to bolster relations with Cambodia, partly to counterbalance China’s expanding influence. This aid package underscores Washington’s commitment to fostering stability and security in Southeast Asia, while simultaneously addressing cross-border issues such as drug trafficking and cybercrime.