President Donald Trump has announced he will sign a peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia in Malaysia, declaring himself the proud broker of what he calls a “great peace deal.” The signing ceremony will take place during Trump’s attendance at the 47th ASEAN summit in Malaysia, where regional leaders will gather to witness this diplomatic milestone.
The peace initiative responds to a violent escalation of border tensions in July 2025, when Thai and Cambodian military forces clashed for five consecutive days along their disputed frontier. The conflict resulted in casualties on both sides and created a displacement crisis as thousands of civilians fled the violence, demonstrating the urgent need for a negotiated settlement.
Through Malaysian mediation, a ceasefire was successfully negotiated and implemented in late July 2025, effectively ending the active phase of the conflict. Malaysia has continued to play a central role in maintaining the peace by coordinating ASEAN observers who monitor the border areas and ensure both nations comply with the ceasefire terms.
President Trump made the announcement via Truth Social while traveling aboard Air Force One, stating that the signing would occur immediately upon his arrival in Malaysia. This expedited schedule is designed to accommodate all the world leaders and officials attending this significant diplomatic event. Trump also offered condolences for the recent death of Thailand’s Queen Mother and confirmed he would meet with Thailand’s Prime Minister upon landing in Malaysia.
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 countries are close 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 and prompting UN Security Council involvement.