KUALA LUMPUR – Thailand will mirror Cambodia’s actions once the latter starts withdrawing heavy weapons from the shared border, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced on Monday.
“They began this process last night, and once they act, we will reciprocate, as we also have heavy weapons stationed there,” Anutin explained in a statement, according to Bernama.
The statement follows the signing of the KL Peace Accord on Sunday, witnessed by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and United States President Donald Trump, on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
Anutin clarified that the joint declaration, signed with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet in the presence of both leaders, serves as a framework for both nations’ obligations.
“Although the agreement does not specifically require us to withdraw, we are demonstrating goodwill by following suit to open channels for dialogue and foster mutual understanding,” Anutin remarked.
He added that talks between the two nations’ military representatives would continue through bilateral channels until both sides are satisfied with the disarmament process, with ASEAN military attachés acting as neutral observers to ensure compliance.
The next priority, he noted, would be landmine clearance, which he described as a pressing issue due to the threat landmines pose to civilians.
Following the signing of the KL Peace Accord, Cambodia has begun relocating military weapons along the disputed Thai border.
This operation is being conducted under the watch of the Asean Observer Team and the Cambodian Ministry of National Defence, as reported by Agence Kampuchea Presse.
Regarding the potential reopening of the Thai-Cambodian border, Anutin dismissed speculation that it would occur on November 1, clarifying that any border reopening would only be considered as a final step.
“The border is not reopening yet,” he confirmed.
The KL Peace Accord formalised a ceasefire agreed upon earlier following the Extraordinary General Border Committee Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on August 7. This meeting marked the conclusion of armed hostilities that displaced around 300,000 people along the 817-kilometre border, following a special session held in Putrajaya on July 28. – October 27, 2025