Cambodia Pushes Back on Thai 'Scam' Strikes and Seeks to Lower Tensions

Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol asked to "lower the temperature" in the dispute with Thailand and pushed back against Bangkok's framing of recent cross-border fighting as strikes against scam centers; the two countries have a fragile ceasefire after clashes that displaced many, and Cambodia is pursuing trade and tariff talks with the United States.

Cambodia's deputy prime minister, Sun Chanthol, said his country wants to lower tensions with Thailand and pushed back on Thai assertions that recent cross-border fighting was primarily aimed at scam centers. The two countries agreed to a ceasefire last month after clashes that forced large numbers of people from their homes. Sun Chanthol also discussed ongoing trade talks with the United States and referred to recent law-enforcement action related to alleged scam networks. Key points: - Sun Chanthol said Cambodia seeks to "lower the temperature" and objected to using the scam-centers issue as a justification for cross-border attacks. - Thailand and Cambodia reached a ceasefire last month after fighting that displaced many people; officials describe the ceasefire as fragile. - Cambodian authorities reported arresting and deporting an alleged scam syndicate figure to China, and the government is engaged in talks with the U.S. on tariffs and trade issues. Summary: Cambodia is publicly emphasizing de-escalation to protect a fragile ceasefire and is addressing both security and economic concerns at the same time. Diplomatic and trade discussions are reported as ongoing, and the next concrete steps are undetermined at this time.