Trump Headlines ASEAN Summit, Thailand-Cambodia Sign Ceasefire Deal

After days of high-level talks, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet have signed what officials are calling a joint “peace deal”, or as Thailand’s foreign minister later described it, a “pathway to peace.”, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The signing was overseen by U.S. President Donald Trump.

According to officials, the agreement includes several key steps: both countries will withdraw heavy weapons from border areas, conduct a joint border survey, and carry out de-mining operations. They will also work together to tackle transnational scam syndicates. Cambodia has confirmed the deal will pave the way for the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers detained by Thailand.

Speaking ahead of the signing, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet thanked President Trump for his “decisive lead” and “tireless efforts” in making the peace accords a reality. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul also expressed appreciation to Trump and to the Malaysian government for facilitating the process.

Both leaders said the removal of weaponry and the freeing of prisoners of war would begin promptly, describing the joint declaration as the foundation for “lasting peace.”

President Trump, meanwhile, highlighted his administration’s approach to peace through diplomacy and trade, saying, “We do transactions, lots of them, with both nations as long as they live in peace.” He noted that when the border war erupted in July, his administration “got it stopped” through direct talks with the region’s leaders.

Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, however, clarified that the agreement remains a joint declaration rather than a formal treaty, calling it “a pathway to peace.” He also emphasised that while the U.S. and Malaysia facilitated discussions, the final decisions were made solely between Thailand and Cambodia.

Sources: BBC | Reuters.