US Pledges $45 Million to Support Peace Deal Between Cambodia and Thailand

Post by : Saif Nasser

The United States has announced a $45 million assistance package to support Cambodia and Thailand as they move forward with a peace agreement aimed at ending recent border violence. The funding is meant to help both countries put the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords into action and restore calm, safety, and development in affected areas.

A senior US official for East Asia said the support reflects Washington’s commitment to peace and stability in Southeast Asia. The funds will be shared across several key areas, focusing on border security, humanitarian relief, and efforts to fight crime that affects people in both countries.

Out of the total amount, $15 million will go toward border stabilization. This money will help local communities recover from the fighting and support people who were forced to leave their homes during the conflict. Many families on both sides of the border lost access to basic services and livelihoods during the clashes.

Another $10 million will be used for clearing landmines and unexploded weapons left behind from the fighting. These hidden dangers pose serious risks to civilians, especially farmers and children, and clearing them is seen as a key step toward long-term safety.

The remaining $20 million will support joint efforts to combat illegal scam operations, drug trafficking, and related crimes. The United States has made fighting online scam networks in Southeast Asia a priority, as many people around the world, including Americans, have been targeted by such fraud schemes.

Cambodia and Thailand agreed to the peace deal late last year after weeks of intense fighting that included air strikes, rockets, and heavy weapons. The clashes killed more than 100 people and displaced over half a million residents. A previous ceasefire had collapsed, making the latest agreement especially important.

Thailand has long been a close partner of the United States, while Washington has been working to strengthen ties with Cambodia as well. US officials say helping both countries follow through on the peace deal will not only reduce the risk of future violence but also promote economic growth and trust across the region.

As officials from all three countries meet to discuss next steps, the aid package is being viewed as a practical move to turn a fragile ceasefire into lasting peace. The success of the plan could serve as a model for resolving other conflicts in the Indo-Pacific region.