Trump Co-Signs Thailand–Cambodia Ceasefire Agreement During Malaysia Visit

Kuala Lumpur, Oct 2025 : US President Donald Trump on Saturday co-signed a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia during the first stop of his Asia tour, marking a key diplomatic breakthrough aimed at ending months of deadly border clashes between the two Southeast Asian neighbours.

The ceasefire accord, signed in Kuala Lumpur, was also endorsed by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who hosted the signing ceremony. The agreement formally commits both sides to halt hostilities and withdraw heavy weapons from the conflict zone.

According to a statement issued by Cambodia’s Foreign Ministry, the deal includes the release of 18 Cambodian prisoners of war held by Thailand.

Historic Peace Initiative

The agreement follows a bloody border conflict that erupted in July, killing more than 40 people and forcing nearly 300,000 residents to flee their homes along the frontier. Although an initial ceasefire was reached later that month, both nations had since traded accusations of repeated violations.

In the joint declaration witnessed by Trump, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet reaffirmed their “firm commitment to refrain from the threat or use of force” and to pursue lasting peace.

“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to peace and security between our two countries,” the agreement stated, as the two leaders sealed the deal with a symbolic handshake.

Trump hailed the signing as a “momentous day for the people of Southeast Asia,” crediting the breakthrough to sustained diplomacy involving the United States and Malaysia.

“This is a historic agreement to end military conflict between Cambodia and Thailand,” Trump said, adding that the United States had also reached “a major trade deal with Cambodia and a critical minerals agreement with Thailand.”

Regional Oversight and Next Steps

Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, who played a key mediating role on behalf of ASEAN, said the new pact focuses on preventing future violations and deploying regional observers to monitor compliance.

“We want there to be no more ceasefire violations,” he said. “Both countries must now withdraw their heavy weapons and work to clear landmines along their shared borders.”

Analysts described the accord as an important step toward regional stability but cautioned that a comprehensive peace settlement between Thailand and Cambodia is still pending.

Trump’s involvement in the signing marks one of the first major diplomatic initiatives of his second term and sets the tone for his upcoming meetings in Asia, including talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week.