Cambodia, Thailand mark first anniversary of Kuala Lumpur Peace Declaration

Cambodia, Thailand mark first anniversary of Kuala Lumpur Peace Declaration

Cambodia and Thailand marked the first anniversary of the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration today, commemorating a diplomatic effort to end armed hostilities, de-escalate tensions and lay the groundwork for peace between the two neighbouring countries.

Signed on October 26, 2025, on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the declaration was endorsed by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, in the presence of U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Chair of the 2025 ASEAN Summits.

The U.S. Department of State reaffirmed Washington’s support for the agreement on the eve of the anniversary, describing it as a diplomatic achievement made possible by Trump’s leadership and commitment to peace. In a statement issued yesterday, the department said the declaration demonstrated the power of American diplomacy to resolve conflicts and laid the foundation for peace between Cambodia and Thailand, while reiterating its commitment to working with both countries to support the implementation of the agreement and help make lasting peace a reality for their peoples.

The declaration followed armed clashes between Cambodia and Thailand from July 24 to 28, 2025, which caused losses of military personnel and civilians on both sides, representing an important diplomatic initiative to reduce tensions and create conditions conducive to ending the conflict and restoring relations. Cambodia expressed gratitude to Trump for his leadership and support for peace, while acknowledging the role of Anwar in facilitating the peace process and appreciating ASEAN member states, China and international partners for supporting the ceasefire and stability efforts.

Despite the declaration, renewed armed clashes erupted on December 7, 2025, followed by a Joint Statement reached at the Third Special Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee. Cambodia has protested against Thai military activities in unlawfully occupied areas in Cambodian territory, including the deployment of shipping containers, installation of barbed wire, excavation of trenches and construction of fortifications.

The government stressed that it does not recognise any boundary line or territorial claim unilaterally asserted by Thailand, maintaining that activities on the ground do not prejudice Cambodia’s legal rights or position concerning the international boundary. Cambodia has called on Thailand to honour commitments to de-escalation, cease actions that could heighten tensions, strengthen mutual trust and facilitate the peaceful settlement of disputes along the border.

As the declaration enters its second year, Cambodia has reaffirmed its commitment to resolving all boundary disputes with Thailand exclusively through peaceful means, in accordance with international law and existing bilateral agreements, stressing that international borders must not be changed by force. -AKP-