During his first trip to Asia, US President Donald Trump co-signed a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia in Malaysia, marking a major diplomatic breakthrough in Southeast Asia. The deal, signed alongside Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, follows months of tension after a violent border clash earlier this year.
According to Cambodia’s foreign ministry, the agreement includes the humanitarian release of 18 Cambodian prisoners of war (POWs). Trump helped mediate the initial ceasefire in late July, but both nations later accused each other of violations. Speaking before departing for Malaysia, Trump called it a “Great Peace Deal… which I proudly brokered between Cambodia and Thailand.”
At the signing ceremony, Trump praised both Anutin and Hun, calling the ceasefire a “monumental step” toward lasting peace. However, experts say a final comprehensive peace agreement is still pending, as both sides work to rebuild trust.
Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, who has represented ASEAN in the negotiations, said the latest deal focuses on deploying regional observers to the disputed border areas.
“We want there to be no more ceasefire violations because after July 28, although the ceasefire was in place, there were minor violations,” Mohamad said.
He added that both sides must withdraw heavy weapons and remove landmines from the conflict zones to ensure long-term stability.
