As part of US efforts to encourage Thailand and Cambodia to respect the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord, it has provided funding to support the stabilisation of the border. Cambodia is to receive $20 million for demining activities and combating online scams, while Thailand will receive $10 million for combating scams. An additional $15 million will be provided to both countries to ensure border stabilisation.
The figures were announced by US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and the Pacific Michael George DeSombre during a January 9 press briefing.
On the same day, DeSombre met with Thai foreign minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, during which he announced US support for Thailand with $10 million for law‑enforcement efforts, specifically for combating scams. DeSombre also met with Royal Thai Army chief Phana Klaewplodthuk, although no information was released at the time.
The following day, January 10, DeSombre met with Prime Minister Hun Manet and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn in Phnom Penh. A social media post by Manet said the US had pledged $10 million for demining and $10 million for combating scams, while $15 million will be shared by both countries to deal with border stability, specifically for the return of displaced persons.
The figures appear to have been manipulated by the Thai military, which claimed that the US will provide $100 million to the Royal Thai Army.
“The US reaffirmed its commitment to military funding exceeding $100 million to strengthen border stability and address online crime, as well as supporting the expansion of the capabilities of our Stryker wheeled armoured vehicles and continuously enhancing educational and training programmes,” said a social media post by the Thai army.
The figure was echoed on several Thai media outlets.
The Post reached out to the press office of the US State Department. They responded, but “off-the-record”.
Kin Phea, director of the International Relations Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, believed that the Thais had manipulated the figures.
“The figure raised by the Thai army is a kind of psychological warfare to make Cambodia feel like it is less important to the US, in an attempt to show that Thailand is a closer ally to the US than Cambodia.
“The display of US aid figures by the Thai military and media constitutes a form of psychological warfare aimed at antagonizing Cambodian citizens and certain Cambodian politicians. It serves to demonstrate their superiority by implying that they have a close relationship with the United States and that the US is taking their side. However, in reality, the true nature of that aid remains unclear,” said Phea.
He warned that the Thai military and media often wage information warfare in a bid to generate anger among Cambodians. He urged all Khmer to be mindful of their tempers.
“What is important now is that Cambodia must be spiritually strong and stand by the army and the government. We must strengthen internal unity against the invasion committed by the Thai army, politicians and the Royal Palace,” he added.
