AKP Phnom Penh, April 30, 2026 -- The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to regional stability and a lasting ceasefire along the Cambodia-Thailand border, announcing increased humanitarian assistance for civilians displaced by ongoing frontier tensions.

The pledge came from Ms. Rona Rathod, Political Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh, during an April 29 visit to Banteay Meanchey province. The delegation met with Provincial Governor H.E. Oum Reatrey and toured a temporary displacement centre in Sla Kram village.

Ms. Rathod emphasised that Washington’s primary focus is a sustainable ceasefire to ensure broader ASEAN regional stability. The U.S. will also continue clearing unexploded ordnance (UXO) and war remnants from farmland – a critical step to restore safety for local farmers and revitalize the economy.

The U.S. Embassy has allocated funds for conflict-affected populations, channeled through the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and in coordination with the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), to deliver essential aid to displaced persons.

Governor H.E. Oum Reatrey briefed the delegation on the situation along the 153-kilometre border with Thailand, citing: 9 civilians killed, 77 injured; Over 2,000 homes destroyed, along with schools, pagodas, and health centres; Widespread cluster munitions remain a critical barrier to safety; Residents of six villages in O’ Chrov and Thmar Puok districts cannot return due to continued Thai military presence, barbed wire, and shipping containers.

The Royal Government of Cambodia has launched a resettlement programme providing each displaced family a 20m x 30m plot within a 400-hectare development zone for housing and subsistence farming to restore livelihoods.

By K. Rithy Reak