Thai - Cambodia Conflict US Backs ASEAN with Tech Support for Thai-Cambodia Peace

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of Thai PBS

 

In a significant move toward peace, the United States has pledged technical support to the ASEAN Monitoring Team (AMT) established under the ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia. This initiative, confirmed by Cambodia’s Defence Minister Tea Seiha, signifies the US's commitment to fostering lasting peace efforts in the region.

 

Minister Tea, currently in Kuala Lumpur for the special Thai-Cambodia General Border Committee (GBC) meeting, announced this news through his Facebook page, emphasising the US's proactive role in realising peace. The GBC meeting, hosted by Malaysia in its capacity as ASEAN chair, convenes today. Tea, having arrived early, took the opportunity to meet with key US figures including Samuel Paparo, Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), and Edgard Kagan, US Ambassador to Malaysia.

 

During these discussions, Paparo reiterated the US's support for the ceasefire, which was initially set in motion by then-President Donald Trump alongside Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Both countries are keen to ensure its effective implementation.

 

Crucially, the ceasefire talks have involved both the US and China as observers, signalling the international importance and backing of this peace process. Representatives from both nations are expected to attend the final day of the GBC meeting.

 

This international involvement was also evident during the prior peace discussions held in Kuala Lumpur on 28 July, where Thai and Cambodian leaders engaged in productive dialogue.

 

In a separate meeting on 5 August, Tea and his delegation discussed the ceasefire’s progress with General Mohamed Nizam, the Commander-in-Chief of the Malaysian Army. Malaysia continues to play a pivotal role, advocating for an 'Executive Document' to push the ceasefire forward and the rapid establishment of the AMT. This team is anticipated to enhance monitoring and ensure the ceasefire’s success.

 

According to Minister Tea, General Nizam poignantly remarked, “Peace is expensive… life is precious… and time is of the essence,” underscoring the urgency and value of these efforts.

 

With the US's technical backing, the AMT is poised to become an effective body in maintaining the ceasefire and nurturing peace between Thailand and Cambodia. This development marks a hopeful step towards enduring stability in Southeast Asia, reflecting collaborative international diplomacy at its best.

 

The exchange rate for Thai Baht and the potential economic impact on the region remain pertinent considerations as these diplomatic efforts unfold. However, the primary focus remains the priceless outcome of peace and the tremendous effort by all involved to achieve it.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS 2025-08-08

 

[bdenner]

Wow, this guy has a more colourful left pocket than TW's, Pui Baan uniform. But, at least, she has her helicopter pilots wings - 55555.