A significant ceasefire agreement was formally concluded between Thailand and Cambodia in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on October 26, 2025. This pivotal moment signaled the end of the intense border hostilities that had flared up dramatically toward the close of July 2025. Presiding over the signing ceremony was US President Donald Trump, who attended the event concurrently with the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit. This major diplomatic success emerged from resolute international involvement, successfully converting heightened regional friction into a chance for stability.
The core commitment of the newly established accord mandates the immediate and unconditional halt of all military actions along the contested frontier. Crucially, both nations committed to the removal of heavy weaponry and landmines from the border zone. To ensure compliance, a vital component of the peace framework involves the establishment of an ASEAN-sponsored monitoring body. Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim has taken on the chairmanship of this observer group, tasked with supervising the adherence to the ceasefire terms.
Furthermore, the signatories pledged to "refrain from spreading or promoting false information," a measure intended to cultivate an atmosphere "conducive to peaceful dialogue" between the neighboring states.
The agreement also outlined provisions for initiating humanitarian aid operations aimed at assisting the civilian populations displaced by the fighting. A significant gesture of goodwill included Thailand's commitment to the release of 18 Cambodian prisoners of war (POWs).
Although the July escalation was brief, lasting only five days of intense clashes, its impact was devastating, resulting in the deaths of at least 38 individuals and forcing the displacement of over 300,000 residents. The roots of this recurring conflict lie in protracted territorial disagreements, notably surrounding the Preah Vihear temple, which holds the status of a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The stance adopted by the American leader proved instrumental in achieving this paradigm shift. Initially, President Trump exerted economic pressure, issuing a credible threat to impose substantial 36 percent tariffs on imports from both nations should the conflict persist. Following the initial cessation of hostilities on July 28, the United States followed through with positive incentives.
The US concluded a major trade deal with Cambodia and a mineral agreement with Thailand. These actions resulted in a dramatic reduction of duties for both nations, dropping from 49% to 19%.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet publicly lauded the US President’s strategy, describing it as "farsighted and innovative diplomacy." Prior to the formal signing, Hun Manet had already taken the step of nominating President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize on August 7, acknowledging his efforts in advancing peace. Addressing the attendees at the ceremony, Donald Trump declared the accord "historic," adding that he personally "loves stopping wars."
Despite the official optimism, the agreement was met with some skepticism. Hu Ying Hui, an Associate Professor of International and Strategic Studies at the University of Malaysia, voiced concerns, suggesting that any arrangement between the two countries would likely prove "more symbolic than substantial."
The underlying friction between Thailand and Cambodia stems from several contested border temples, a direct consequence of the ambiguous territorial demarcation established by French colonial administrators of Cambodia in 1907. Significantly, the accord announced by President Trump in Kuala Lumpur deliberately sidesteps the complex specifics of this long-running territorial dispute, an issue that has fueled countless violent episodes throughout recent decades.