Cambodia and Thailand sign peace deal to end border conflict

Cambodia and Thailand signed a landmark peace agreement in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, formally ending months of tension and deadly border clashes. The accord was signed during the 47th ASEAN Summit in the presence of US President Donald Trump, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

“Both countries have agreed to cease all hostilities and work toward building good, neighborly relations,” President Trump announced at the signing ceremony. The peace pact also includes the release of 18 Cambodian prisoners of war and the deployment of ASEAN observers—including from Malaysia—to monitor the ceasefire and ensure lasting peace.

The border conflict, which flared up in July, left several people dead and displaced thousands. A ceasefire brokered by Trump and Anwar brought an end to the fighting, paving the way for Sunday’s agreement. “We do a lot of business with both nations, and we have to use that to make sure they don’t go back to war. This is going to be a very long peace,” Trump said.

Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed gratitude to Trump for his mediation efforts, announcing that Cambodia has nominated the US president for the Nobel Peace Prize “in appreciation of his contribution to regional peace.” He also thanked China and other regional partners for supporting the peace process, adding that Cambodia is “committed to ensuring that this peace endures and brings tangible benefits to our peoples.”

Thai Prime Minister Charnvirakul echoed those sentiments, emphasizing that the deal “reflects our shared will to resolve disputes peacefully, in full respect of sovereignty and territorial integrity.” He confirmed that both sides would begin withdrawing heavy weapons from the border to ensure civilian safety and rebuild trust.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim praised the accord and commended Trump for his “empathy and commitment” to promoting stability in Southeast Asia.

In his closing remarks, Trump briefly addressed rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, saying, “I’ll get that solved very quickly. I know both sides well, and I have no doubt an agreement will be reached soon.”