Cambodia has long been a client state of China, and is deeply infiltrated by Chinese interests.
As for, Thailand it has - until recently - been regarded as a US ally. However, that is now changing. Trump has cut off military and economic support, and China quickly stepped in to fill the gap. In doing so, they were aided by internal turmoil and unpopularity of the current king Rama X. China offered arms supplies and joint military contracts, along with symbolic support for the monarch on the diplomatic front, and assistance in suppressing internal opposition. No wonder Thailand took the bait - in fact, just last month Rama X became the first-ever Thai king to officially visit China.
TBH the whole affair smells of a Chinese trap that Trump eagerly waded into. If anyone can actually make peace between Cambodia and Thailand, it's not Washington, but Beijing - since they're effectively playing both sides at this point. And it's not inconceivable that they will eventually step in, once they decide the Americans have embarrassed themselves enough.
apnews.com
