Overview
- Assistant Secretary Michael DeSombre is meeting senior officials in Bangkok and Phnom Penh on Friday and Saturday to press implementation of the accords.
- The funding includes $15 million for border stabilization to support displaced communities, $10 million for demining and unexploded ordnance clearance, and $20 million to counter scam operations and drug trafficking.
- The latest truce took effect on December 27 after roughly 20 days of fighting that left at least 101 people dead and displaced more than half a million on both sides.
- Thailand initially alleged a ceasefire breach but later said the incident was accidental fire, while Cambodia has urged Thai forces to withdraw from contested border areas.
- U.S. officials say the aid supports a fragile peace and aligns with efforts to curb regional scam centers, as Washington also seeks improved ties with Cambodia alongside its long alliance with Thailand.