In a landmark diplomatic breakthrough, the prime ministers of Cambodia and Thailand on Sunday signed a historic peace accord ending their recent border conflict. The agreement was finalized on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, following direct mediation by the United States.
US President Donald Trump co-signed the accord and presided over the signing ceremony, hailing it as a “momentous day for all of the people of Southeast Asia.” The deal aims to permanently end fighting and establish a framework for long-term stability along the 800-kilometre disputed border, which has seen decades of tension.
The latest flare-up between the two Southeast Asian neighbours erupted in July, resulting in a five-day battle that left dozens dead and displaced hundreds of thousands.
Key Provisions of the Accord
Prisoner Release: Thailand will release 18 detained Cambodian soldiers as a goodwill gesture.
De-escalation Measures: Both sides have agreed to dismantle heavy weaponry and initiate a phased withdrawal from contested zones.
A White House official revealed that President Trump used economic leverage, including the threat of higher tariffs, to push both sides toward negotiation and a ceasefire. The move, analysts say, highlights Washington’s renewed engagement in regional security under Trump’s leadership.
The accord marks the first major success of Trump’s Asian diplomatic tour, which continues with plans to sign a strategic minerals agreement with Malaysia later during the ASEAN Summit.
Observers view the peace deal as a potential turning point for Southeast Asian stability, signaling a fresh chapter of cooperation between Cambodia and Thailand after years of border tensions.
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