US Seeks Ceasefire by Next Week as Thailand-Cambodia Clashes Escalate

The United States is optimistic about reaching a renewed ceasefire in the Thailand-Cambodia conflict by early next week, according to US State Secretary Marco Rubio. In a recent press briefing, Rubio stated that Washington is working to bring both sides back into compliance with existing commitments. He expressed cautious hope that a peaceful resolution can be achieved by Monday or Tuesday of next week. The Southeast Asian bloc ASEAN is scheduled to meet on Monday in Kuala Lumpur to discuss the crisis. Rubio revealed that he had spoken with Thailand's foreign minister by phone on Thursday and plans to continue diplomatic engagements over the weekend. The conflict has led to significant humanitarian concerns, with over half a million people displaced in Cambodia and 400,000 in Thailand. The clashes have resulted in at least 22 deaths in Thailand and 19 in Cambodia. The dispute centers on a colonial-era border demarcation and several ancient temple ruins. US President Donald Trump had earlier claimed credit for a previous ceasefire, but Rubio defended the administration's record, stating that its diplomacy had indeed stopped fighting, albeit temporarily. The renewed conflict has added a new layer of complexity, with Thailand's military now justifying its actions as part of a broader campaign against cross-border scam networks.