United States President Donald Trump will witness the finalization of a peace deal between Thailand and Cambodia in Malaysia, bringing formal closure to a border conflict that turned deadly in 2025. The president has publicly credited himself with brokering what he calls a “great peace deal” between the two Southeast Asian neighbors.
The peace initiative responds to violent clashes that erupted in July 2025 between Thai and Cambodian forces along their disputed border. The five-day military confrontation resulted in casualties on both sides and displaced thousands of civilians, creating a humanitarian emergency that required urgent international attention and mediation to prevent further escalation.
Malaysia successfully mediated between the warring parties and negotiated a ceasefire that was implemented in late July 2025. Since the truce took effect, the Malaysian government has coordinated ASEAN observer missions that continue to monitor the border areas and ensure both Thailand and Cambodia honor the terms of the ceasefire agreement.
While traveling aboard Air Force One to the 47th ASEAN summit, President Trump announced via Truth Social that the peace deal signing would take place immediately upon his arrival in Malaysia. The timing has been adjusted to accommodate all the world leaders and officials attending this major diplomatic event. Trump also expressed condolences for the recent death of Thailand’s Queen Mother and stated he would meet with Thailand’s Prime Minister shortly after landing. The ceremony will be witnessed by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and other ASEAN leaders.
The peace agreement addresses a complex territorial dispute involving more than 800 kilometers of shared border between Cambodia and Thailand, much of which remains non-demarcated. Recent diplomatic efforts have shown promising results, with both countries reaching agreements during an October meeting of the Joint Commission to advance boundary demarcation efforts. Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has stated that both nations are moving closer to finalizing a comprehensive Declaration of Thailand-Cambodia Relations to permanently resolve border issues. The 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.
