KUALA LUMPUR, 9 January 2026 — The United States has announced US$45 million in financial support to back the implementation of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords, following a renewed outbreak of fighting along the Thailand–Cambodia border.
The announcement was made by Michael George DeSombre, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs, during a digital press briefing on Friday. He said the funding reflects Washington’s commitment to securing a durable peace in the region under the administration of Donald Trump.
DeSombre said the assistance package comprises US$15 million for border stabilisation efforts to support displaced communities, US$10 million for demining and the clearance of unexploded ordnance, and US$20 million to combat scam operations and drug trafficking in the affected areas.
“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 interests in a safe, stronger, and more prosperous Indo-Pacific,” he said.
DeSombre disclosed that he is currently in Bangkok holding discussions with senior Thai officials and is scheduled to travel to Phnom Penh to continue engagements with Cambodian counterparts on the implementation of the accords.
On the timeline for disbursement, he said details are still being finalised.
“We just announced and provided this information to Thailand today, and we’ll be speaking to Cambodia tomorrow. So we will be speaking with them and figuring out exactly how the amounts are disbursed and when,” he said, adding that the US is “very committed” to ensuring the funds are effectively utilised.
DeSombre reiterated that Washington remains actively involved in the peace process, noting that President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have maintained direct communication with regional leaders to ensure commitments under the accords are upheld.
On border demarcation issues, DeSombre clarified that while the US stands ready to assist, the work of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) is expected to be resolved bilaterally between Thailand and Cambodia.
He also praised Malaysia’s role as mediator, highlighting the leadership of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during the negotiations.
“We really saw in the process of achieving the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords, the real active involvement of Malaysia as 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 July 28 ceasefire to mediation efforts led by Trump and Anwar, and said Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair in 2025, moved swiftly to co-host ceasefire talks following the US intervention to de-escalate tensions.
He added that the leadership of Malaysia’s Foreign Minister in convening an ASEAN Special Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Dec 22 was crucial in restoring peace on Dec 27, after renewed clashes earlier in the month.
Addressing concerns over the durability of the ceasefire, DeSombre expressed optimism, citing newly established multilateral mechanisms including the deployment of ASEAN Observer Teams (AOTs), which he said would help preserve the peace.
He also said the US expects Thailand’s upcoming general election on Feb 8 to have no adverse impact on the implementation of the peace accords, expressing confidence that the next Thai government will continue to uphold the agreement.
