As Trump watches on, Cambodia and Thailand sign ‘peace deal’ at Asean Summit
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- Cambodia and Thailand signed a joint declaration for peace at the Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur, witnessed by US President Donald Trump.
- Both sides had previously agreed on removing heavy weapons from their border, de-mining, combating scam syndicates and conducting a joint border survey.
- Despite questions about the declaration's substance, both nations committed to normalising relations, with Thailand dispelling rumours of territory concession.
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BANGKOK/KUALA LUMPUR – Feuding South-east Asian neighbours Cambodia and Thailand have signed a joint declaration committing to the withdrawal of heavy weapons from their shared border, and the release by Thailand of 18 detained Cambodian soldiers.
Watched on by US President Donald Trump, the inking of the declaration by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and his Thai counterpart Anutin Charnvirakul took place at the 47th Asean Summit
Both sides had previously also agreed on de-mining operations, efforts to deal with scam syndicates as well as to conduct a joint survey of the border.
The signing ceremony, also witnessed by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as Asean chair, had been brought forward by a few hours on the day to accommodate Thai Prime Minister Anutin’s truncated schedule in Kuala Lumpur following the death of Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit
Said Mr Trump before the signing: “Now these gentlemen are about to sign what we’re calling the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords, good name. Both countries are agreeing to cease all hostilities and work to build good, neighbourly relationships, which have already started.”
Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet (right) and Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul shaking hands as they hold a signed document during a ceremonial signing of a ceasefire agreement on Oct 26.
PHOTO: AFP
He added that 18 Cambodian prisoners of war would be released, with observers from Asean countries, including Malaysia, to be deployed to ensure that peace between Cambodia and Thailand prevails.
“The three men sitting there should really be given credit,” said Mr Trump, referring to Mr Anwar, Mr Anutin and Mr Hun Manet, “having done just an incredible job for humanity.”
Tensions over a disputed border area between Cambodia and Thailand erupted into military clashes
An unconditional ceasefire was reached on July 28 after diplomatic intervention from Malaysia and following threats from Mr Trump to block tariff negotiations unless fighting stopped.
At the ceremony, Mr Hun Manet said the signing marked a historic and profound moment for the two countries that reaffirmed “our shared conviction that peace is always possible when nations have the courage and wisdom to pursue it together”, while expressing gratitude to Mr Trump for his decisive and steadfast actions.
“As we speak, I think our two commanders are discussing on the possibility of the start of withdrawal, partial withdrawal, of the first phase of heavy weapons,” he said.
Mr Anutin concurred that both sides had agreed to promptly remove heavy weapons from the border area to build confidence and trust, and Thailand would also begin the process of releasing the 18 detained Cambodian soldiers.
“We have come a long way since agreeing to the ceasefire here in Malaysia on 28th of July, the discussions since then have led to this important outcome,” Mr Anutin said. “I believe we can achieve what seemed beyond reach a few months ago.”
Mr Anutin had cancelled most of his other commitments surrounding the Asean summit in Kuala Lumpur and was scheduled to depart shortly after the ceasefire signing ceremony on the afternoon of Oct 26 to attend a royal procession for Queen Sirikit in Bangkok.
There were questions over the substance and semantics of the joint declaration in the lead-up to the signing, including whether it represents substantial progress beyond a reiteration of what had been previously agreed and if it amounted to a peace accord.
Thailand’s Foreign Ministry said on Oct 25 that the joint declaration between the two countries did not amount to a peace deal but rather signalled a mutual intention towards normalising relations. It stressed that there remained numerous issues to work out, including the withdrawal of heavy weapons, the clearance of landmines and dealing with cyber crime and scam centre operations.
Mr Anutin also took to a Facebook livestream from Kuala Lumpur on the morning of Oct 26 to assure the Thai public that none of the points agreed in the joint declaration would put Thailand at a disadvantage, while dispelling rumours of territory concessions and also appealing for public support.
Mr Trump, however, has labelled the agreement a “great peace deal”, and has been quick to chalk it up as one of eight conflicts he claims to have helped resolve during his presidency, including a hostage-release deal the US help broker between Israel and Hamas on Oct 8.
US President Donald Trump holding a signed document during the ceremonial signing of a ceasefire agreement on Oct 26.
PHOTO: AFP
The US leader appeared in high spirits upon landing in Kuala Lumpur on Air Force One, breaking out into an impromptu jig in front of Mr Anwar and a group of dancers in traditional wear welcoming him on the red carpet.
“I am on my way to Malaysia, where I will sign the great Peace Deal, which I proudly brokered between Cambodia and Thailand,” he posted on Truth Social before his arrival.
“Sadly, the Queen Mother of Thailand has just passed away. I send my condolences to the Great People of Thailand.”
