Cambodia and Thailand Ink Historic Peace Deal at ASEAN Summit, with Trump and Anwar as Witnesses
KUALA LUMPUR, October 26 — Cambodia and Thailand have signed a historic peace agreement on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit, bringing an end to years of border conflict and paving the way for renewed regional stability. The accord, witnessed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, was hailed as a breakthrough in Southeast Asian diplomacy.
A New Chapter for Cambodia–Thailand Relations
The “Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord” was signed by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The ceremony, themed “Delivering Peace”, came after months of negotiation and a ceasefire brokered in Putrajaya on July 28.
In their speeches, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peace, mutual respect, and cooperation. The nine-point declaration emphasized the need to refrain from the use of force, uphold international law, and respect each nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The accord also calls for confidence-building measures, including humanitarian demining, demilitarization, and increased cross-border cooperation.
ASEAN Oversight and Key Provisions
A central feature of the peace deal is the creation of an ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), which will monitor the ceasefire and oversee the removal of heavy weapons from border zones. The AOT will ensure that both governments comply with the terms of reference signed during the summit.
In addition, Thailand agreed to release 18 Cambodian soldiers captured in July as a show of goodwill. The move is expected to accelerate reconciliation and rebuild trust along the frontier.
“We agree to enhance cooperation, information sharing, and strategic communications to prevent transnational crimes,” the sixth point of the declaration reads. Both nations pledged to strengthen border controls and address cross-border issues that affect regional security.
Leaders Call for Peace and Cooperation
Prime Minister Hun Manet described the signing as “a historic moment, profound and significant for Cambodia and Thailand.” He thanked President Trump and Prime Minister Anwar for their decisive roles in brokering peace.
“No matter how complex our disputes may be, they must always be resolved through peaceful means and in full conformity with international law,” Hun Manet said.
Hun Manet also confirmed Cambodia’s “strong commitment to fully and faithfully implementing” the declaration and called for swift implementation of the prisoner release agreement.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anutin reaffirmed Thailand’s support for peace. “The declaration reflects our shared will to resolve differences peacefully,” he said. “It marks the beginning of reconciliation and the healing of communities divided by conflict.”
🇺🇸 Global Praise and Reactions
President Donald Trump commended both leaders for their courage and compromise. Addressing delegates and journalists, he said:
“Millions of people are alive today because of this peace treaty. Cambodia and Thailand have shown the world what determination and goodwill can achieve.”
Trump noted that cooperation between U.S., Cambodian, and Thai diplomats had made a rapid ceasefire possible. He emphasized the importance of maintaining long-term peace in the region.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who chaired the summit, praised Trump’s “tenacity and courage,” saying the world needs leaders willing to “break some rules” to achieve peace.
“This is a new page for ASEAN as a region of peace and prosperity,” Anwar said. “We urge continued support from the international community to ensure this peace endures.”
Regional and International Response
Japan’s Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu welcomed the agreement, calling it “tangible progress” in easing border tensions. Tokyo expressed “deep respect” for the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Malaysia, and ASEAN.
He noted that improving relations between Cambodia and Thailand is “indispensable for the stability and development of the entire region.”
Back in Phnom Penh, Senate President Hun Sen lauded his son’s success. In a Facebook post, he called the accord “the early success of Prime Minister Hun Manet’s quiet but determined diplomacy,” reaffirming Cambodia’s commitment to maintaining peace both domestically and with its neighbors.
A Pathway to Lasting Peace
Though some diplomats described the declaration as a “pathway to peace” rather than a full treaty, it marks the most significant step toward reconciliation in decades. Both governments are expected to begin implementation immediately, with ASEAN observers arriving at the border within days.
For the first time in years, border communities are looking forward to stability, trade, and renewed friendship between Cambodia and Thailand — a peace that could redefine Southeast Asia’s future.
