KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Thailand and Cambodia have signed a joint peace declaration aimed at easing decades of tension along their shared border, in a move hailed as a potential turning point for regional stability.
The agreement was concluded during the ASEAN summit in the Malaysian capital, with Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodia’s leader Hun Manet putting their signatures to the document in the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump and regional observers.
Framework for peace, not a ceasefire
Anutin described the declaration as a “roadmap toward peace,” emphasising that it is not a treaty and requires no parliamentary approval. Instead, it sets a framework for cooperation as Cambodia takes the first steps to meet Thailand’s conditions — measures that Bangkok will then review before proceeding further.
The Thai government stressed that the declaration is not a ceasefire or border agreement. “There will be no border openings, no territorial concessions and no use of the 1:200,000 map,” Anutin said, referring to past disputes over cartography. Officials underlined that the document contains no provisions that could put Thailand at a disadvantage.
Cambodia faces four key obligations
Under the accord, Cambodia agreed to withdraw heavy artillery from contested areas, clear landmines, combat cross-border fraud networks, and regulate its frontier zones. These four conditions form the backbone of Bangkok’s expectations for reduced tension along the frontier.
By 28 October, Cambodia must present an action plan detailing how and when it will remove its heavy weapons. Observers note that much will depend on the political influence of former Prime Minister Hun Sen, who is believed to retain considerable control behind the scenes despite his son’s leadership.
ASEAN observers to oversee compliance
A central element of the peace framework is the establishment of ASEAN Observer Teams (AOT), tasked with monitoring both sides’ adherence to the declaration. Thailand has already nominated its delegation, which is ready for immediate deployment. The team, made up of fewer than ten representatives from various ASEAN states, will verify whether Cambodia withdraws destructive weaponry such as BM‑21 rocket launchers from the disputed zones.
Cambodia, in turn, is preparing a 45-member team to observe Thailand’s corresponding activities, reflecting a reciprocal approach under regional supervision.
Questions over long-term commitment
Despite the symbolism of the signing ceremony, some analysts remain cautious. They question whether Phnom Penh’s military chain of command will follow through on the conditions, given suggestions that ultimate authority still lies with Hun Sen. Failure to comply could carry serious diplomatic consequences for Cambodia.
Thailand insists it is ready for any scenario, including the possibility that heavy weapons remain stationed near the border. Coordination between the two countries’ military commands has already begun. For now, Bangkok has signalled its willingness to proceed step by step – provided Cambodia demonstrates equal commitment to peace and stability.
The declaration marks a tentative but notable step in easing one of Southeast Asia’s most persistent bilateral tensions, with ASEAN now assuming a visible role in ensuring that both sides honour their pledges.