President Donald Trump is traveling to Malaysia to sign a peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, which he has publicly credited himself with brokering. The signing ceremony will coincide with the 47th ASEAN summit and marks a significant milestone in efforts to resolve a border dispute that has persisted for generations.
In July 2025, the long-simmering territorial conflict between Thailand and Cambodia erupted into open warfare as troops from both nations clashed along their disputed border for five days. The military engagement resulted in fatalities and created a refugee crisis as thousands of civilians fled the violence, underscoring the severity of the situation and the critical need for peace.
Malaysia intervened as a neutral mediator and successfully brokered a ceasefire that was implemented in late July 2025, effectively stopping the bloodshed. The Malaysian government has continued its peacekeeping role by coordinating ASEAN observer teams that monitor the truce and work to prevent any resumption of hostilities between the two Southeast Asian nations.
From Air Force One, President Trump announced via Truth Social that he would sign the peace deal immediately upon arriving in Malaysia, a schedule adjustment made to accommodate the numerous world leaders attending the ceremony. Trump also offered condolences for the recent death of Thailand’s Queen Mother and indicated he would meet with Thailand’s Prime Minister shortly after landing. The signing will take place in the presence of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and other ASEAN leaders.
The peace agreement represents the culmination of intensive diplomatic efforts, including recent breakthroughs achieved during a two-day special meeting of the Cambodia-Thai Joint Commission on Demarcation for the Land Boundary held in Chanthaburi, Thailand, in late October. Both nations reached several key agreements aimed at expediting the land demarcation process along their more than 800-kilometer shared border. Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has indicated that both countries are close to finalizing a comprehensive Declaration of Thailand-Cambodia Relations. The territorial dispute has historically focused on ancient Hindu temple sites in the Dangrek Mountains, with the most serious previous violence occurring in 2011 when clashes near Preah Vihear temple killed at least 16 people and prompted UN Security Council intervention.