United States President Donald Trump on Sunday presided over the signing of what has been described as a “historic” ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, ending months of deadly border clashes that have claimed dozens of lives and displaced thousands.
The peace accord, signed in Kuala Lumpur on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit, brought together Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his Cambodian counterpart, Hun Manet, under the mediation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
The deal, which Trump co-signed, is one of the first major diplomatic highlights of his Asia tour, a trip expected to culminate in high-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week.
Under the terms of the agreement, both countries pledged to halt all hostilities, withdraw heavy weapons from the border, and allow regional observers to monitor compliance.
Cambodia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that 18 Cambodian prisoners of war would be released immediately as part of the truce.
“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to peace and security between our two countries,” the joint declaration read.
The two premiers, Anutin and Hun Manet, shook hands firmly after signing the document as Trump and Anwar looked on.
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia erupted in July over a long-disputed stretch of border territory near Preah Vihear, leading to cross-border shelling that left more than 40 people dead and displaced about 300,000 civilians.
Although both sides had agreed to a temporary ceasefire in late July, repeated violations threatened to reignite full-scale conflict, prompting renewed diplomatic intervention from ASEAN and Washington.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Trump described the agreement as “a momentous day for all the people of Southeast Asia.”
“Today we mark a historic step toward peace, stability, and prosperity in this region.
“The United States is proud to support both Thailand and Cambodia in turning a page from conflict to cooperation,” he said.
Trump also announced new bilateral economic agreements, a trade pact with Cambodia and a “critical minerals partnership” with Thailand aimed at strengthening regional economic ties.
Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, who helped mediate the talks on behalf of ASEAN, said the agreement would include the deployment of regional observers to ensure full compliance.
“We want there to be no more ceasefire violations.
“Both countries have agreed to withdraw heavy weapons from the affected zones and work jointly to remove landmines along their shared border, ” Hasan said.
He added that the deal was designed to prevent further escalation and to pave the way for a comprehensive peace settlement later this year.
Analysts have welcomed the breakthrough but warned that a lasting resolution will depend on sustained cooperation between Bangkok and Phnom Penh.
Although the ceasefire is seen as a significant diplomatic success for ASEAN, experts note that both countries have yet to finalise a permanent border demarcation and a full peace treaty.
Still, Sunday’s accord marks a significant step toward ending one of Southeast Asia’s most volatile regional conflicts.
