US aid a sign of leadership; but Thailand needs to step up
US aid a sign of leadership; but Thailand needs to step up
#opinion
The United States’ contribution of $45 million in aid is a great step forward to supporting the peace process between Thailand and Cambodia, and further promoting regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. Based on US statements, the aid will help border stabilisation, demining and initiatives to combat scam and drug trafficking operations. These are critical components to improving the security, peace and prosperity for these areas that are so crucial to both countries, the region and the world. As with previous efforts at peace, however, the underlying competing claims to territory stands out as an ongoing challenge. So while this represents an important moment to recognize US leadership in this very important matter, much work remains for Thailand’s government, which continues to struggle with complying with the terms of previous peace agreements in the midst of internal political uncertainty and conflict. Youk Chhang is director of the Documentation Center of Cambodia (DC-Cam). The views and opinions expressed are his own.
-The Phnom Penh Post-
