January 27, 2026
PHNOM PENH – Prime Minister Hun Manet confirmed today, January 26, that Cambodia will join US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, an initiative originally designed to resolve the Gaza conflict. He shared the decision during a meeting with Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command.
It was not announced whether the Kingdom will seek to become a permanent member of the board, which reportedly requires a donation of$1 billion, or a standard member, which is free for a three-year term, before assessment for the next mandate.
During the meeting Manet thanked Trump for playing a vital role in pushing for a Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire and form witnessing the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord, signed on October 26, 2025, during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia.
“Samdech Thipadei [Manet] informed the Admiral that Cambodia has received an invitation letter from President Donald Trump to participate in the ‘Board of Peace’. Cambodia will join the body, an act that demonstrates Cambodia’s goodwill and commitment to global peace,” said Manet, via his Facebook page.
Trump sent an invitation to Manet on January 16, calling for to join him in resolving Middle East issues, specifically the Gaza conflict.
Analysts suggested that Manet’s decision reflects Cambodia’s need for peace amid the conflict with Thailand, although warned that the decision should be clearly explained to other friendly nations, such as China.
Sam Seun, a policy analyst at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said that while the US played an important role in ending the first armed clashes in July between Thailand and Cambodia, the pause in the second clashes in December was attributed largely to China, a friend of the ASEAN family.
“The decision that Cambodia has made reflects the Kingdom’s real need for peace and stability. Cambodia is grateful to whoever can bring peace. What is important is that it clarifies this decision so there is no confusion among other nations Cambodia is not choosing one ally and ignoring the others,” he noted.