US Embassy: Peace Accord Key to De-escalating Cambodia-Thailand Border Tensions on 1st Anniversary of Conflict

One year has passed since the outbreak of armed conflict along the Cambodia-Thailand border. On July 29, 2026, the U.S. Embassy in Cambodia reiterated that the peace agreement reached in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on July 24, 2025, remains a crucial key to de-escalating tensions and preventing the recurrence of conflict between the two countries. The conflict, which occurred along the border between Cambodia and Thailand, resulted in loss of life and brought uncertainty to communities on both sides of the border. Three months later, the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord was historically established through the mediation of the U.S. President, creating a diplomatic channel to end the fighting and resolve long-standing border issues. The U.S. Embassy stated, "While there is still more work to be done, this agreement continues to provide Cambodia and Thailand with a practical way to de-escalate tensions and prevent a return to conflict. The United States remains committed to strengthening lasting peace." The peace agreement was reached under the mediation of the United States and Malaysia, with major powers such as China, Japan, and Russia, as well as the international community, closely monitoring and supporting efforts to maintain peace and stability along the Cambodia-Thailand border. However, despite the ceasefire and peace agreement, the Thai military continues to violate Cambodia's sovereignty by deploying barbed wire and container boats into Cambodian territory. The Thai military has not yet withdrawn from the areas it illegally occupied on Cambodian soil. Furthermore, the Thai military has prevented over 20,000 innocent Cambodian citizens from returning to their homes. In relation to the right to a decent living, Mr. Thomas Andrews, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, completed a 12-day visit to Cambodia from July 20-31, 2026. During his visit, he directly inspected the temporary shelters of Cambodian citizens who had fled the war to understand their actual living conditions. The U.S. Embassy affirmed that the United States will continue to support the efforts of Cambodia and Thailand in implementing the peace agreement and will promote the resolution of border disputes through negotiation and respect for international law. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local