Thailand and Cambodia inked an expanded ceasefire pact on Sunday, in the presence of US President Donald Trump, whose warnings of economic repercussions pushed the two countries to cease clashes along their disputed border earlier this year.
Under the agreement, Thailand will release Cambodian detainees, while Cambodia will commence withdrawing heavy artillery as part of the initial phase. Independent regional monitors will oversee to prevent any resumption of hostilities.
Trump remarked, “We achieved what many believed impossible.” Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet hailed the day as “historic,” while Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that the accord lays the groundwork for enduring peace.
The signing ceremony marked Trump’s initial engagement at the annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Kuala Lumpur. This trip offers Trump an opportunity to enhance his image as a global negotiator amidst ongoing trade disputes and domestic political turmoil.
Trump arrived in Kuala Lumpur early in the morning, where he showcased his signature campaign dance with local performers, holding both American and Malaysian flags.
Later, he is set to finalize trade and strategic mineral agreements with Malaysia. The US aims to diversify its supply chains to reduce dependency on China, which has restricted exports of vital technology components.
TRUMP’S RE-ENGAGEMENT IN A KEY REGION
Trump’s attendance at this summit, which he previously visited only once during his first term, presents a fresh opportunity to play a global peacemaker role.
In July, Thailand and Cambodia engaged in a five-day conflict, resulting in casualties and mass displacements, marking one of the worst recent clashes between the two nations. The bordering countries have overlapping territorial claims, leading to sporadic violence.
Trump’s threat to withhold trade deals unless hostilities ceased was credited with prompting negotiations. Since then, a fragile truce has held.
Following the expanded ceasefire pact, Trump sealed separate economic agreements with Cambodia and Thailand.
Ou Virak, president of the Future Forum think tank in Phnom Penh, emphasized the significance of Trump’s tariff leverage in driving the immediate ceasefire agreement.