Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords
Description
Cambodia and Thailand’s 2025 border conflict grew out of a long-standing territorial dispute. After an exchange of fire in May 2025, tensions escalated through troop buildups, retaliatory economic measures, and cross-border fighting.
Cambodia and Thailand agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Malaysia on July 28, 2025, in talks brokered by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The Trump administration supported the effort through diplomatic engagement and economic pressure, including President Trump’s decision to halt U.S. tariff negotiations with both countries until the fighting stopped, a step CRS says some observers and Cambodian officials credited as helping drive the ceasefire.
At the October 2025 ASEAN Summit, President Trump presided over the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords, which committed both sides to ceasefire implementation, ASEAN observer arrangements, military de-escalation, confidence-building measures, humanitarian demining, and the release of prisoners of war.
Quotes
“By ending this War, we have saved thousands of lives.” – President Donald J. Trump
Thailand’s acting prime minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, said the agreement “reflects Thailand’s desire for a peaceful resolution”, adding that his country had agreed to a ceasefire that would “be carried out successfully in good faith by both sides”.
News
- 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
- Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Secures Peace and Prosperity in Malaysia
- On Cambodia and Thailand High Level Talks
- Secretary Rubio’s Phone Call with Thai Foreign Minister Maris
- Secretary Rubio’s Phone Call with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Prak
- Thailand: Background and U.S. Relations
- Thailand, Cambodia Reach Ceasefire After Push By Trump, Anwar
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