BANGKOK — The United States is stepping up diplomatic efforts to revive a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia as renewed fighting along their shared border threatens to derail a fragile peace agreement reached just two months ago.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was “cautiously optimistic” that a new ceasefire could be reached as early as Tuesday, despite escalating military tensions along the Sa Kaeo–Banteay Meanchey border.
Speaking at a year-end news conference in Washington, Rubio said he had discussed the situation with Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow and would use an upcoming ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting in Kuala Lumpur to press both sides to return to the terms of the October ceasefire agreement.
“Both sides made commitments in writing that they signed,” Rubio said. “Those commitments are not being kept today, with each side citing grievances against the other. Our task now is to bring them back to the table.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a news conference at the State Department, Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)The ceasefire, known as the Kuala Lumpur Accord, was brokered in October following deadly clashes earlier this year. It temporarily eased tensions but has since stalled amid new skirmishes and landmine incidents reported in December.
In Bangkok, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul rejected suggestions that Thailand was responsible for the latest escalation, insisting his government remained committed to the agreement while prioritizing national security.
“The word ‘pressure’ should apply to the aggressor and to those who violate agreements,” Anutin told reporters. He said Thailand had complied with most elements of the accord, including demining efforts, action against online scam operations, border management measures and troop withdrawals.
Thailand paused the withdrawal of heavy weaponry, Anutin said, after what he described as harassment and threats along the frontier.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul responds to media questions on December 19 regarding Thailand’s latest stance on the armed conflict with Cambodia, as major powers including the United States and China push for a return to a ceasefire agreement.The prime minister outlined four conditions he said were necessary for a lasting ceasefire: the full withdrawal of heavy weapons from contested areas, comprehensive demining, cooperation to dismantle scam centers near the border, and transparent management of disputed settlements, including areas near Ban Nong Chan and Ban Nong Ya Kaew.
Thai officials say Cambodian forces must take “concrete actions” to demonstrate they no longer pose a threat before Thai troops return to previous positions. Cambodia has not publicly responded to the latest remarks.
As ASEAN foreign ministers prepare to meet in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, diplomats say the October agreement remains the only viable framework for de-escalation. But continued troop buildups and artillery deployments along the border underscore the challenges facing efforts to restore calm.
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