US Officials Assist Thai-Cambodian Ceasefire Talks in Malaysia Amid Rising Deaths, Displacements

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that State Department officials are on the ground in Malaysia to assist peace talks between Thailand and Cambodia aimed at achieving an immediate ceasefire amid an escalating border conflict that has resulted in over 35 deaths and displaced more than 200,000 people. President Donald Trump engaged directly with the leaders of both countries, leveraging potential trade deals to push for a ceasefire and threatening to withhold agreements if fighting continued. Both Thailand and Cambodia agreed to enter high-level talks in Kuala Lumpur, with calls from Rubio urging de-escalation and emphasizing the importance of peace and stability in the region. The border clashes represent the worst violence between the two nations in over a decade, sparked by a recent killing of a Cambodian soldier and renewed artillery strikes. The United States is committed to facilitating ongoing discussions to ensure a peaceful resolution to the dispute. Thai officials have expressed willingness to cease hostilities but seek sincere intentions from Cambodia to solidify the truce.