Thailand and Cambodia have signed an enhanced ceasefire agreement aimed at solidifying peace along their shared border, following recent clashes that left dozens dead. The signing took place on Sunday during the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, witnessed by U.S. President Donald Trump, who played a key role in mediating the initial truce earlier this year.
The agreement, signed by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, includes provisions for Thailand to release 18 detained Cambodian soldiers and for both nations to withdraw heavy weaponry from the contested border zone.
This new accord builds on a truce reached three months ago, which came after President Trump personally intervened—calling both countries’ leaders to urge an immediate end to hostilities. At the time, he warned that failure to halt the violence could jeopardize their ongoing trade discussions with Washington.
Following the ceremony, Trump also signed bilateral trade and minerals agreements, including a reciprocal trade deal with Cambodia and a critical minerals partnership with Thailand. A senior White House official confirmed that the U.S. president is expected to finalize a similar minerals agreement with Malaysia during his stay in Kuala Lumpur.
Trump’s Asia Tour and Broader Trade Agenda
The ceasefire signing marked the start of Trump’s five-day diplomatic tour of Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea his first visit to the region since assuming office in January. The trip is expected to culminate in high-stakes trade negotiations with Chinese President Xi Jinping, as Washington and Beijing seek to resolve lingering trade tensions.
Trump’s arrival in Malaysia came shortly after he announced a 10% tariff increase on Canadian imports, a move he said was in response to a Canadian government-sponsored anti-tariff campaign. The decision has heightened friction between the two countries, already strained by ongoing trade disputes.
Although both Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney are attending the ASEAN Summit, Trump told reporters he had no plans to meet Carney during the event.
The expanded ceasefire deal marks a significant diplomatic win for Southeast Asia and the U.S., showcasing Washington’s growing influence in regional security and trade affairs.
