United States President Donald Trump has revealed he will sign a peace deal between Thailand and Cambodia immediately upon arriving in Malaysia for the 47th ASEAN summit. The president announced his plans while traveling aboard Air Force One, describing the agreement as a “great peace deal” that he personally brokered.
The peace initiative comes in response to violent clashes that erupted between Thai and Cambodian forces in July 2025 over disputed border territories. The five-day military confrontation claimed lives and displaced thousands of civilians on both sides, highlighting the severity of the conflict and the urgent need for a negotiated diplomatic solution to prevent further violence.
Malaysia successfully mediated between the warring parties and negotiated a ceasefire that was implemented in late July 2025. The Malaysian government has continued to play a central role in maintaining peace by coordinating ASEAN observer missions that monitor the border situation and ensure both Thailand and Cambodia honor the terms of the truce.
In a Truth Social post, President Trump stated that the signing ceremony would take place right after his arrival to accommodate all the dignitaries attending this significant diplomatic event. Trump also expressed condolences for the recent passing of Thailand’s Queen Mother and confirmed he would meet with Thailand’s Prime Minister upon landing. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and other ASEAN leaders will witness the historic signing ceremony.
The peace agreement addresses a complex border dispute involving more than 800 kilometers of shared frontier between Cambodia and Thailand, much of which has never been formally demarcated. Recent diplomatic efforts have yielded positive results, including agreements reached during an October meeting of the Joint Commission where both nations committed to advancing boundary demarcation. Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has stated that both sides are moving closer to finalizing a comprehensive Declaration of Thailand-Cambodia Relations. The territorial dispute has historically centered on ancient Hindu temple sites in the Dangrek Mountains, with previous violence in 2011 near Preah Vihear temple resulting in at least 16 deaths.