KUALA LUMPUR – Thailand and Cambodia have signed a joint declaration, dubbed the “KL Peace Accord”, to formally end border hostilities and restore peace along their disputed frontier, marking a significant breakthrough in Asean-led diplomacy.
The agreement, signed by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Manet, was witnessed by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim — in his role as Asean Chair — and United States President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur, which began today.
The peace deal reinforces a ceasefire understanding first reached in July after high-level talks between both governments. It also establishes an Asean Observer Team to monitor compliance and prevent renewed clashes in the border zones.
The joint declaration is seen as a milestone for Asean’s regional peace efforts, reflecting the bloc’s growing role in conflict prevention, stability, and cooperation under Malaysia’s 2025 Chairmanship theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability.”
Thailand and Cambodia have long been at odds over sections of their 817-kilometre border, with tensions escalating into a military confrontation on July 24.
Four days later, Anwar hosted a high-stakes meeting in Putrajaya between Manet and then Thai acting prime minister Phumtham Wechayachai, defusing tensions and paving the way for a ceasefire.
The truce, widely seen as one of Asean’s major diplomatic successes this year, helped avert a wider conflict and ensured the safety of thousands of civilians living near the border.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the signing, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the ceasefire deal includes commitments by both sides to withdraw heavy weapons from border areas and to remove or destroy landmines and explosives.
He said the newly established Asean Observer Team will monitor the ceasefire’s implementation to prevent further violations.
“Since July 28, although the ceasefire has been implemented, there have been minor breaches — not involving firearms, but using slingshots,” Mohamad said, urging both sides to maintain dialogue and work towards a permanent settlement of their border demarcation issue.
Malaysia, as Asean Chair, is hosting the 47th Asean Summit from October 26 to 28 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, where more than 30 world leaders are meeting to discuss peace, economic resilience, and sustainable growth across the region. — October 26, 2025