Thailand and Cambodia sign peace deal brokered by Trump at ASEAN summit

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet signed a declaration ending the border conflict between their countries during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Malaysia.

The agreement was brokered by US President Donald Trump.

Both sides pledged to halt military operations and to foster friendly relations.

Under the agreement, Thailand will release 18 Cambodian soldiers in its custody, while Cambodia will withdraw its heavy artillery units from the border. Malaysian observers will monitor the ceasefire’s implementation.

“This is a historic day,” Hun Manet said during the signing ceremony.

Charnvirakul described the declaration as “a foundation for lasting peace.”

Trump declared, “We achieved what many called impossible. I like stopping wars.”

Thirty-five killed in five-day conflict

Armed clashes between Thailand and Cambodia began on July 24 around the disputed area near the Preah Vihear and Ta Moan Thom temples.

The five-day conflict left 35 people dead—22 from Thailand and 13 from Cambodia—including 22 civilians from both sides.

As tensions escalated, Trump intervened.

Following Malaysia’s mediation efforts, the two countries first agreed to a ceasefire, then signed a peace accord during the ASEAN Summit.

Trump launches regional economic push

The peace declaration marked the first event of Trump’s Asian tour, which began in Malaysia.

During the summit, the US president signed a trade agreement with Cambodia and a memorandum of understanding with Thailand on cooperation in critical minerals.

Bangkok also agreed to purchase 80 fighter jets worth $18.8 billion from the US.

Cambodia will partner with Boeing to develop its aviation sector.

Trump also reached what he called a “major trade agreement” with Malaysia, under which Kuala Lumpur will invest $70 billion in the US over the next decade.

Trump’s next stops on his Asia tour are Japan, South Korea, and China, where he plans to ask President Xi Jinping for support in ending the Russia-Ukraine war.