The US allocates $45 million to support Thailand and Cambodia
The United States announced on Friday a new diplomatic and humanitarian initiative aimed at bolstering stability in Southeast Asia, allocating a $45 million aid package to both Thailand and Cambodia. This move comes as Washington seeks to solidify the fragile ceasefire agreement reached between the two neighboring countries in late December, following a period of military tensions.
Details of the US aid package
During an official visit to Thailand and Cambodia to discuss ways to strengthen the existing truce, Michael Desombre, a senior U.S. State Department official responsible for East Asian affairs, revealed details of this financial support. He explained that the United States would provide $20 million to assist both countries in their joint efforts to combat drug trafficking, as well as to address online fraud, which has recently become a major security concern for both Cambodian and Thai authorities.
On the humanitarian front, the US official announced $15 million in aid to support and assist those displaced by the recent fighting, ensuring their basic needs are met. The package also included $10 million for demining operations in border areas, a crucial step to ensure civilian safety and pave the way for a return to normalcy.
Roots of the conflict and historical background
To understand the significance of this aid, it is essential to consider the historical context of the conflict between the two kingdoms. The roots of the dispute lie in the colonial era of Indochina, specifically concerning the demarcation of their shared 800-kilometer border. Both sides claim sovereignty over swathes of land and centuries-old temples, making the border region a constant flashpoint.
This decades-long conflict has escalated into full-blown military confrontations several times over the past year. The fierce fighting that erupted in December left dozens dead and triggered a massive displacement of nearly a million people on both sides, creating a humanitarian crisis that has prompted urgent international intervention.
Supporting peace agreements and future prospects
Although the two sides reached a ceasefire on December 27, ending three weeks of fighting, the agreement was marred by several violations, making it in dire need of international guarantees. In this context, Desombre affirmed in an official statement that "the United States will continue to support the Cambodian and Thai governments in implementing the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords," referring to the agreement reached in the presence of US President Donald Trump during his visit to Malaysia in October.
The American diplomat concluded his remarks during an online press conference by expressing his hope that the ceasefire would hold, while acknowledging the reality that a final resolution to the border disputes would take considerable time. He added, "We hope the border will reopen soon so that things can return to normal for businesses operating on both sides, which will boost trade and ease tensions between the two populations.".
