CaliToday (/2025): In a dramatic diplomatic intervention on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit, U.S. President Donald Trump today co-signed a comprehensive ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, hailing the pact as a "historic step" toward ending a bloody and volatile border conflict.
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| US President Donald Trump co-signed a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia in MalaysiaMohd Rasfan/Pool via REUTERS |
In a stunning addendum to the ceremony, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet announced that in recognition of his efforts, Cambodia was officially nominating President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.
The agreement, formally christened "The Kuala Lumpur Agreement," was signed by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, and President Trump, with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim signing as the host and key ASEAN facilitator.
This pact finalizes and enforces a fragile truce established in July, aiming to permanently de-escalate a conflict that saw deadly heavy weapons exchanges just three months ago.
The Path from Conflict to "Kuala Lumpur Agreement"
The mediation by President Trump represents a unique and forceful application of his "America First" diplomatic model.
The border conflict first erupted on July 24, with heavy artillery and rocket attacks killing dozens and threatening a wider regional crisis. As the violence spiraled, President Trump issued a stark ultimatum: cease hostilities or risk the suspension of crucial trade agreements with the United States.
That threat was instrumental in forcing the two sides to agree to an initial ceasefire on July 28.
However, that truce proved fragile. Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, who was closely involved in the ASEAN-led talks, noted that today's agreement was essential because "after July 28, although the ceasefire was established, there were still minor violations."
The new Kuala Lumpur Agreement adds enforcement mechanisms, including:
An immediate and permanent cessation of all hostilities.
The establishment of neutral observers in the border conflict zones to monitor compliance.
A verified withdrawal of all heavy weapons from the disputed areas.
The launch of joint demining operations to secure the border.
As a key humanitarian gesture, Thailand agreed to the release of 18 Cambodian prisoners of war.
Bilateral Deals and Domestic Reassurance
Following the landmark peacemaking ceremony, President Trump immediately pivoted to bilateral deal-making. He signed a separate agreement with Cambodia focused on enhancing bilateral trade and, significantly, a "key minerals agreement" with Thailand.
The deal has been met with both celebration and domestic anxiety. In Thailand, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul took to Facebook Live on Saturday night to reassure his citizens.
"Many people were worried the negotiations might put Thailand at a disadvantage," PM Anutin said from his hotel in Malaysia. "I decided to go live today to reassure everyone that the statement we are signing... contains no clauses that are disadvantageous to Thailand."
He framed the agreement as a return to Thai values, quoting the national anthem: "We are a peace-loving nation. Even our anthem says, 'Thais love peace, but fear not to fight.'"
A Nobel Nomination
The Cambodian government described the signing as a "profoundly significant historic moment," reaffirming a shared belief that "peace is always possible if nations pursue it together."
In a press release, the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Prime Minister Hun Manet had nominated President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. The nomination was not only for his work between Cambodia and Thailand but for his broader "contributions to promoting peace... among other nations," cementing the event as a major, if unconventional, foreign policy victory for the Trump administration.