Press Statement

Thomas “Tommy” Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson

The United States welcomes the resolute efforts of the Cambodian and Thai governments to uphold the December 27 ceasefire agreement.  This demonstrates both countries’ commitments to lasting peace by implementing the provisions of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords.  We welcome Thailand’s release of the 18 Cambodian soldiers as a positive step towards rebuilding neighborly relations and trust.  The United States stands ready to support the Cambodian and Thai governments as they resume the critical implementation measures agreed to in the October 26 Joint Declaration.

Press Statement

Marco Rubio, Secretary of State

The United States welcomes the announcement from Cambodia and Thailand on reaching a ceasefire that halts hostilities along their border following the General Border Committee meeting. We urge Cambodia and Thailand to immediately honor this commitment and fully implement the terms of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords

Press Statement

Thomas “Tommy” Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson

The United States continues to call on Cambodia and Thailand to end hostilities, withdraw heavy weapons, cease emplacement of landmines, and fully implement the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords, which include mechanisms to accelerate humanitarian demining and address border issues.  We welcome ASEAN leaders coming together this week to support Cambodia and Thailand fully honoring their commitments to end this conflict.

Press Statement

Marco Rubio, Secretary of State

The United States is concerned by continued fighting and casualties in multiple locations along the Cambodia-Thailand border.

We strongly urge the immediate cessation of hostilities, the protection of civilians, and for both sides to return to the de-escalatory measures outlined in the October 26 Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords signed by the Prime Ministers of Cambodia and Thailand and witnessed by President Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

On behalf of the United States of America and all Americans in Thailand, I offer heartfelt and deepest condolences on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother to His Majesty The King, all members of the Royal Family, and the people of the Kingdom of Thailand.

Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother lived a long and remarkable life, with a profound appreciation for Thailand’s people, culture, and natural beauty. Under Her Majesty’s visionary leadership and royal projects, such as the SUPPORT Foundation, she improved the lives of Thai people throughout the Kingdom. Her Majesty’s recognition of Thailand’s unique natural beauty inspired action to protect the country’s rich biodiversity. Her Majesty’s efforts are not only recognized in Thailand, but also internationally, as she received over twenty honorific titles, including those from U.S. institutions: Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D.) from Johns Hopkins University (1995), Georgetown University (1993), Concord College (1987) and Tufts University (1981); 1991 International Humanitarian Award from the Friends of the Capital Children’s Museum of Washington, D.C.; and Woman of the Year Award 1993 from Stanford University.

Her Majesty was a compelling communicator of the uniqueness of Thai culture and travelled many times to the United States to champion Thai industries and culture. I remember Her Majesty as a true companion, walking tirelessly alongside His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great on Their Majesties’ state visits to the United States. Her Majesty travelled outside of Washington, D.C. as well to represent Thailand across the United States. I also remember her grace as she elevated and shared Thai silk with the world. Her Majesty was a true cultural bridge between our two great nations and peoples.

Her Majesty’s significance as The Queen Mother, and the establishment of Thai Mother’s Day on her birthday is representative of the joy and respect Her Majesty inspired in her family and her country. Her Majesty’s devotion to Thailand and legacy of compassion will be remembered forever. We are all touched today by a great and profound loss. I and my fellow citizens mourn with our friends, the people of the Kingdom of Thailand, at this somber time.

The United States extends its congratulations to Anutin Charnvirakul on his selection as the next Prime Minister of Thailand. We look forward to working with Prime Minister Anutin and his government to strengthen our deep partnership based on common interests. I am confident that together, our efforts will continue to advance peace, economic prosperity, and freedom throughout the Indo-Pacific.

Criminal actors across Southeast Asia have increasingly exploited the vulnerabilities of Americans online.  In 2024, Americans lost at least $10 billion to scam operations in Southeast Asia, according to a U.S. government estimate.

In response, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today imposed sanctions on nine targets involved in operations in Shwe Kokko, a scam center hub in Burma operating under the protection of the already sanctioned criminal organization Karen National Army (KNA).  The KNA is a transnational criminal organization that facilitates online scam operations that target Americans and exploit workers in forced labor.

Additionally, OFAC sanctioned four individuals and six entities for their roles operating forced labor compounds in Cambodia, where workers are forced to carry out virtual currency investment scams against victims in the United States, Europe, China, and elsewhere.

These sanctions protect Americans from the pervasive threat of online scam operations by disrupting the ability of criminal networks to perpetuate industrial-scale fraud, forced labor, physical and sexual abuse, and theft of Americans’ hard-earned savings.

The Department of the Treasury’s sanctions designations were taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13581, as amended by E.O. 13863, E.O. 14014, E.O. 13818, and E.O. 13694, as amended. For more information, see Treasury’s Press Release.

On the joyous occasion of the 73rd birthday of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, the United States Mission to the Kingdom of Thailand offers our most heartfelt congratulations.

For two centuries the United States and Thailand have stood together as friends, partners and allies, working to promote prosperity, freedom, and security for all our people. We look forward to further strengthening the enduring bond between our two great nations in the years to come.

We wish His Majesty, the Royal Family, and the Thai people good health and happiness.