U.S. Steps In: Rubio Pledges to Help Secure Ceasefire Between Cambodia and Thailand

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 26, 2025) — The United States has moved to assert a stronger role in the escalating Cambodia–Thailand border conflict, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledging Washington’s readiness to help broker an urgent ceasefire and launch peace talks to restore stability.

The U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh said Thursday that Rubio spoke by phone with Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet to convey Washington’s “deep concern” over the violence and reaffirm America’s determination to see a sustainable peace achieved quickly.

Rubio underscored President Donald Trump’s commitment to regional stability and pressed for full implementation of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords, which were designed to prevent escalation and provide a framework for resolving the long-standing dispute.

“Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to express concern about the ongoing violence between Cambodia and Thailand. Secretary Rubio reiterated President Trump’s desire for peace and the need to fully implement the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords,” according to the embassy statement.

Secretary Rubio further reaffirmed that the United States is prepared to facilitate discussions to ensure peace and stability between Cambodia and Thailand.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet welcomed U.S. engagement, reiterating Cambodia’s commitment to the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration and other agreements governing the border issue. He stressed that Phnom Penh remains focused on dialogue, sovereignty, and adherence to international law as the only path to lasting peace.

According to Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior, at least 30 civilians have been killed, 87 injured and more than 636,000 displaced since fighting reignited on Dec. 7.

The U.S. intervention marks a significant escalation in international diplomatic efforts to halt the conflict, which has intensified in recent weeks.

Cambodia has signaled its readiness to work with all partners to secure an immediate halt to hostilities and return to the Kuala Lumpur framework, which officials describe as the cornerstone of long-term stability between the two nations.