Donald Trump's Diplomatic Bet: A Historic Peace Agreement Between Thailand and Cambodia

In a bold move that could reshape Southeast Asia’s geopolitical landscape, U.S. President Donald Trump is set to preside over the ceremonial signing of a historic peace agreement between neighboring rivals Thailand and Cambodia at the upcoming ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur. This pivotal event marks the culmination of intense diplomatic efforts aimed at ending years of border conflict that erupted violently earlier this year.

US President Donald Trump is set to attend the ceremonial signing of a peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia during the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamad Hasan announced on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.

The agreement marks a pivotal moment in regional diplomacy, following the deadliest military clashes between the two neighbors in decades. In July 2025, violent confrontations along their disputed border resulted in over 40 fatalities and displaced approximately 300,000 civilians. A ceasefire was eventually brokered, with President Trump playing a key mediating role. However, both sides have since exchanged repeated accusations of ceasefire violations, underscoring the fragility of the truce.

“Trump is looking forward to witnessing the Thailand-Cambodia peace deal,” Mohamad Hasan stated at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur. He confirmed that the US president will travel to Malaysia on October 26 to participate in the ASEAN summit, scheduled from October 26 to 28. Malaysia and the United States will jointly serve as facilitators in advancing a more comprehensive ceasefire agreement.

The proposed deal, known as the Kuala Lumpur Accord, would require both nations to remove landmines and withdraw military equipment from the contested border zones.

“During the summit, we hope to see the signing of a declaration between these two neighbors to ensure peace and a lasting ceasefire,” Mohamad added.​

Despite these diplomatic advances, challenges remain. Thai government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat emphasized that Bangkok has not yet formally accepted US mediation, pending Cambodia’s compliance with four key conditions. “But what Cambodia has to do first, before we accept the US offer, are our four points that we have raised,” he said.​

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed he had received a letter from President Trump expressing his desire to see the two nations resolve their tensions. Anutin reiterated Thailand’s willingness to negotiate, provided Cambodia withdraws heavy weaponry, removes landmines, cracks down on internet scam operations, and relocates its citizens from border areas claimed by Thailand.

His remarks followed apparent skepticism about Trump’s continued involvement in the negotiations. The US president has been widely seen as pursuing a Nobel Peace Prize, a goal echoed by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, who formally nominated Trump, praising his “innovative diplomacy” for halting the military conflict.​

Nevertheless, concerns about stability persist. Former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, father of Prime Minister Hun Manet, warned a visiting Malaysian delegation that the border situation remains “a concern and very fragile,” cautioning that “clashes could happen again.” In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Hun Sen stressed Cambodia’s desire for “an effective ceasefire and a solution that leads to normalcy of ties between Cambodia and Thailand”.​

As the ASEAN summit approaches, the international community watches closely. The Kuala Lumpur Accord represents not only a diplomatic breakthrough but also a test of whether sustained peace can take