Rubio comments on Cambodia-Thailand talks in statement

Rubio comments on Cambodia-Thailand talks in statement

WASHINGTON, July 2, 2025 - U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged Cambodia and Thailand to immediately deescalate tensions and agreed to facilitate talks to ensure peace and stability between the two nations. Rubio's comments come amidst ongoing border disputes that have escalated into armed clashes, resulting in significant casualties and displacement of residents.

On July 27, 2025, Rubio spoke with the foreign ministers of both countries, urging them to deescalate tensions and offering U.S. assistance in facilitating future discussions [1][2][3]. The Secretary of State emphasized the importance of an immediate ceasefire and expressed the U.S.'s readiness to help implement peace efforts between the two nations.

The border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand has been ongoing for years, with the latest escalation occurring on July 25. The conflict has resulted in over 20 fatalities on the Thai side and five soldiers and eight civilians killed on the Cambodian side, with thousands displaced [4]. The dispute centers around an 817-kilometer undemarcated stretch of their shared border, which has long been a source of tension and diplomatic strain.

In response to the escalating conflict, the Thai government has confirmed its attendance at a regional peace consultation in Malaysia on Monday, July 3, 2025. The meeting, scheduled to take place at 3 pm Malaysian time, will discuss the escalating border conflict with Cambodia. Both the Thai and Cambodian prime ministers are expected to attend [5].

The U.S. Department of State spokesperson, Tammy Bruce, stated that Rubio conveyed a similar message to both foreign ministers, stressing the importance of an immediate ceasefire and reaffirming Washington's readiness to facilitate dialogue and peace efforts between the two countries [5].

The ongoing conflict has significant implications for regional stability and economic growth in Southeast Asia. As the conflict persists, it could potentially disrupt trade routes and investment opportunities, impacting the broader economic landscape of the region.

References:
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/rubio-urges-cambodia-thailand-deescalate-offers-us-talks-2025-07-27/
[2] https://indianexpress.com/article/world/rubio-urges-cambodia-thailand-to-deescalate-offers-us-for-talks-10153217/lite/
[3] https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/rubio-urges-cambodia-thailand-deescalate-122753032.html
[4] https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2025/07/27/Thailand-Cambodia-more-fighting-despite-cease-fire-pledge/2491753649964/
[5] https://www.bernama.com/tv/news.php?id=2450022