U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to attend the signing ceremony of a peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, scheduled for the end of October during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Malaysia.
The announcement was confirmed by Malaysian Foreign Minister Hasan, who told AFP:
“Donald Trump is eager to participate in the signing of the peace agreement.”
Background of the Conflict
The armed conflict between the two countries erupted at the end of July, lasting five days, resulting in the deaths of at least 43 people and the displacement of around 300,000 residents from border areas.
A ceasefire was achieved on July 28, following intervention by President Trump, who warned that the U.S. would not sign trade agreements with countries continuing hostilities.
After U.S. diplomatic and economic pressure, tariffs on imports from Thailand and Cambodia were reduced from 36% to 19% on August 1. However, both nations have since accused each other of violating the ceasefire.
Thailand’s Position
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Chanvirakun stated that Thailand is ready for negotiations but with specific conditions:
“Thailand is willing to negotiate with Cambodia, provided that heavy weapons are withdrawn from the border zones, these areas are demined, stricter action is taken against online fraud centers, and Cambodian citizens are removed from contested border areas claimed by Thailand.”
Historical Disputes
The territorial disagreements between Thailand and Cambodia have deep historical roots, including the 11th-century Hindu temple of Preah Vihear and an 820-kilometer land border established by France in 1907.
ASEAN Summit Details
The 47th ASEAN Summit, where the peace agreement will be signed, is set to take place in Malaysia from October 26 to 28. This year, Malaysia holds the chairmanship of the regional organization.
