Thailand and Cambodia sign peace declaration at 47th ASEAN Summit

Critical points over ongoing challenges between them, including military de-escalation and removing heavy weapons, demining, combating transnational crimes, and releasing prisoners of war, have been addressed in their joint declaration

The signing ceremony, which took place this morning on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, was witnessed by ASEAN Chair and Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the U.S. President, Donald J. Trump, who brokered their ceasefire agreement a few months ago and has since eagerly been pushing for peace between the two countries in an attempt seen as raising his profile for a Nobel Peace Prize.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet officially signed what is called the “Joint Declaration by the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand on the outcomes of their meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia”, while the U.S. President tried to claim it as a “peace deal”.

Under the declaration, the two countries have committed to eight critical points seen as paving the way for more permanent peace building and maintenance between them, as they have helped address their pain points.

They have reaffirmed the unwavering commitment to peace and security between the two countries — as declared in Putrajaya, Malaysia, on July 28, 2025 — and reiterated their firm commitment to refrain from the threat or use of force, peaceful settlement of disputes, and respect for international boundaries and international law. (Read: “Immediate and unconditional” ceasefire takes effect from midnight: Anwar/ Thailand to notify observers of Cambodia’s ceasefire violation)

They have reaffirmed their firm commitment to upholding and implementing the agreements reached by both sides at the General Border Committee (GBC) meetings.

They have signed the Terms of Reference (TOR) on the establishment of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), which will comprise personnel from ASEAN Member States to ensure the full and effective implementation of the ceasefire, while also calling on ASEAN Member States to provide the appropriate support to ensure the AOT can successfully meet its objectives.

The two countries have also committed to de-escalating tensions and restoring confidence and mutually beneficial relations between them. To achieve and reinforce these objectives, they have agreed to the following steps to ensure the full and effective implementation of the ceasefire and restoration of peace, security, and stability in the border areas:

• Implement “military de-escalation” under the observation and verification of the AOT, to include “the removal of heavy and destructive weapons and equipment” from the border and returning them to their respective normal military installations. In this context, both sides will designate their respective teams to discuss, with a view to finalising, a practical and step-by-step action plan, which will be under the observation of the Interim Observer Team (IOT), and subsequently the AOT once it is established pursuant to the TOR.

• Refrain from disseminating or promoting false information, accusations, allegations, and harmful rhetoric, whether through official government channels or unofficial platforms, to de-escalate tensions, mitigate negative public sentiment, and foster an environment conducive to peaceful dialogue.

• Agree to the full and immediate implementation of confidence-building measures to restore and maintain confidence, mutual trust, and peace along the border; to resolve differences peacefully, in the spirit of good neighbourliness, friendship, and solidarity; and to work towards the restoration of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

• Coordinate and implement “humanitarian de-mining” in the border areas, as agreed by the GBC without prejudice to the survey and demarcation of the land boundary between both countries to protect civilian lives and contribute to socio-economic development.

• Reaffirm their commitment to the settlement of border dispute and border demarcation through peaceful means and international law, refraining from the threat or use of force or any acts of provocation, and recognize the Regional Border Committee (RBC), GBC, and Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) as the bilateral mechanisms to work through border-related issues through peaceful means, in accordance with their respective mandates, in coordination with local governors, to “peacefully manage the situation on the ground”, including the issues of alleged encroachment by either side in accordance with the outcome of the discussion under the JBC, and the cessation of all activities which expand the scope of the disputes and further escalate tensions.

Upon effective implementation of the above-mentioned measures, both sides will recognise the cessation of active hostilities. Further, as a demonstration of Thailand’s desire to promote mutual confidence and trust, Thailand undertakes to promptly “release the prisoners of war”.

The two countries have also agreed to enhance cooperation, information sharing, and strategic communications efforts, and strengthen border controls to “prevent and suppress transnational crimes” that impact both our citizens and the wider international community.

The two countries have also acknowledged the need to chart a course for a bright future not bound by conflicts of the past. Both governments reaffirm their commitment to peacefully resolve disputes in full respect for international laws and existing treaties and agreements. 

The conditions have been created for the nations to look forward and embark on building neighbourly relations in keeping with the letter and spirit of the United Nations Charter and principles enshrined in the ASEAN Charter on peaceful conflict resolution, paving the way for a new chapter of peace and cooperation between the two nations.

Last but not least, the two countries have expressed their confidence that the meeting, in the presence of and supported by U.S. President Donald J. Trump and PM Anwar Ibrahim, is a strong foundation for mutual respect and the advancement of peace in the region. 

“We note with deep appreciation President Donald J. Trump’s significant contributions to advancing the restoration of productive bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Kingdom of Thailand,” the two countries stated at the end of their joint declaration.

l Thai PM Anutin and Cambodian PM Hun Manet at the signing ceremony of the joint declaration on peace at the 47th ASEAN Summit, witnessed by U.S. President Trump and ASEAN Chair and Malaysian PM Anwar. Credit: ThaiGov

PM Anutin delivered his speech upon the signing that the signing today marks a new chapter for Thailand and Cambodia as they have now taken a concrete step towards peace. 

He thanked PM Anwar for his leadership as ASEAN Chair and his strong efforts in upholding ASEAN unity. PM Anutin also expressed his appreciation to President Trump for his personal dedication to peace between the two countries.

“We have come a long way since agreeing to the ceasefire here in Malaysia on 28 July. The discussions since then have led to this important outcome, which is the signing of our Joint Declaration today.

“Thailand stands for peace. This Declaration reflects our will to resolve differences peacefully, in full respect of sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

“This Declaration, if fully implemented, will provide the building blocks for a lasting peace. But more importantly, it will begin the process of mending our ties. Our border communities have been divided by conflict, and innocent civilians have suffered immense losses. This Declaration places a firm responsibility on our two parties to act,” said PM Anutin in his speech.

PM Hun Manet also addressed upon the signing, expressing his gratitude to President Trump for his astute leadership and firm commitment to uphold lasting peace between Cambodia and Thailand and his tireless efforts to ensure the success of the peace deal. He also thanked PM Anwar, ASEAN, the Chinese leadership, and all international partners for supporting the ceasefire since the beginning.

Samdach Decho Hun Sen also posted on his Facebook Page, as cited by Press OCM: “This is the early harvest of Prime Minister Hun Manet’s (silent but not silent) strategy by signing a peace agreement between Cambodia and Thailand under the aegis of Malaysian Prime Minister, ASEAN President and US President Donald Trump. Maintaining peace both within the country and with our neighbouring countries is our top priority.”

PM Anwar, meanwhile, also posted on his Facebook Page, saying Malaysia marked a historic moment as it witnessed the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement between Cambodia and Thailand, alongside President Donald Trump, PM Anutin Charnvirakul, and PM Hun Manet.

“Alhamdulillah, this milestone represents a triumph of ASEAN diplomacy, a continuation of the ceasefire concluded in Putrajaya on 28 July in our collective pursuit of peace and regional stability,” said PM Anwar.

PM Anwar said Malaysia is proud to have played a key facilitating role in ensuring that dialogue and understanding prevail over division. He also expressed his appreciation for the support of the regional and international partners, including President Trump, whose engagement helped encourage both Cambodian and Thai leaders to take the courageous step toward reconciliation.

“I also stressed the importance of extending this peace agenda to other conflict-ridden regions, particularly Gaza, so that justice and humanity may once again anchor global order.

“This accord stands as a testament to ASEAN’s growing voice as a bridge for peace, proving that moderation and dialogue can resolve even the most entrenched disputes,” said PM Anwar.

In a related development, ASEAN has also welcomed its latest member, Timor-Leste, as the 11th ASEAN member. 

The Declaration on the Admission of Timor-Leste into ASEAN took place at the Opening Ceremony of the 47th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits. It was signed by ASEAN Leaders together with the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, marking the ASEAN Leaders’ consent to accept Timor-Leste as the 11th Member State of ASEAN. 

This achievement is the result of years of close cooperation between ASEAN and Timor-Leste, ASEAN noted. Timor-Leste officially applied for ASEAN membership in 2011. In 2022, ASEAN Leaders agreed in principle to admit Timor-Leste as a Member State, granting it Observer Status in ASEAN meetings.

This was followed by the adoption of the Roadmap for Timor-Leste’s Full Membership in 2023, which guided its preparations to meet ASEAN’s membership criteria, including accession to ASEAN legal instruments and participation in meetings across all three ASEAN Community pillars, according to ASEAN.