KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 9 — Following a recent resurgence in fighting between Cambodia and Thailand, the United States (US) has announced financial support totalling US$45 million (RM183.3 million) to implement the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords aimed at stabilising the border regions of the two countries.
US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael George DeSombre said that Washington is committed to a durable peace in the region under the administration of President Donald Trump.
The financial support includes US$15 million (RM61.1 million) for border stabilisation to aid displaced persons, US$10 million (RM40.7 million) for demining and clearing unexploded ordnance, and US$20 million (RM81.4 million) for initiatives to combat scam operations and drug trafficking.
"The restoration of peace at the Thai-Cambodian border opens new opportunities for the United States to deepen our work with both countries to promote regional stability and advance our interest in a safe, stronger, and more prosperous Indo-Pacific," he said during a digital media briefing today.
DeSombre added that he is currently in Bangkok to meet with senior Thai officials, and will travel to Phnom Penh tomorrow to continue discussions with Cambodian counterparts regarding the implementation of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords.
When asked about the timeline for disbursing these funds, he said the details are still being finalised.
"We just announced and provided this information to Thailand today, and we will be speaking to Cambodia tomorrow. So we will be speaking with them and figuring out exactly how the amounts are disbursed and when," DeSombre said, stressing that the US is "very committed" to ensuring the funds are effectively utilised.
The US remains actively engaged in the peace process, with Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio maintaining direct communication with regional leaders to ensure commitments are honoured.
Regarding border demarcation issues, he clarified that while the US stands ready to provide support, the work of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) is expected to be resolved bilaterally between Thailand and Cambodia.
DeSombre also commended Malaysia's critical role in mediating the conflict and singled out Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan for praise.
Following a decisive intervention by Trump in July to de-escalate rising tensions, Malaysia, as the 2025 Asean chair, moved quickly to co-host ceasefire talks.
"We really saw in the process of achieving the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords, the real active involvement of Malaysia as the then-Asean chair, demonstrating the power of the chair of Asean to be actively involved in promoting regional peace and stability," he said.
DeSombre credited the initial ceasefire on July 28, 2025, to the mediation efforts of Trump and Anwar.
Furthermore, the leadership of Malaysia’s Foreign Minister in convening an Asean Special Foreign Ministers meeting on December 22 was instrumental in re-establishing peace on December 27 after a resurgence in fighting earlier in the month.
Addressing concerns about the durability of the ceasefire, he expressed optimism regarding the multilateral mechanisms now in place, including the deployment of Asean Observer Teams (AOTs). DeSombre said the US believes the AOTs' involvement will help preserve the peace accords.
He also touched on the upcoming Thai elections scheduled for February 8, expressing confidence that the Thai government, regardless of the outcome, will continue to implement the peace accords.
