Trump to attend Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire at ASEAN summit

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
14 Oct 2025 12:59

Trump will attend the ASEAN summit to witness a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, facilitated by Malaysia and the US under the Kuala Lumpur Accord.

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United States President Donald Trump waits to greet leaders during a summit to support ending the more than two-year Israeli war on Gaza after a breakthrough ceasefire deal, October 13, 2025, in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. (AP)

US President Donald Trump is expected to attend the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Kuala Lumpur from October 26 to 28, where he will witness the signing of a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan confirmed on Tuesday.

The agreement, known as the Kuala Lumpur Accord, aims to establish a lasting ceasefire and address the ongoing disputes over an 817-kilometer undemarcated land border, which erupted into deadly clashes in July. The five-day conflict killed at least 48 people and temporarily displaced over 260,000 civilians, marking the worst fighting along the border in more than a decade.

Trump, Malaysian efforts in mediation

The ceasefire follows intensive diplomatic efforts by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and a supposed direct engagement by President Trump, who reportedly held telephone discussions with leaders of both nations. Malaysia brokered an initial truce on July 28, halting the immediate fighting.

Both the United States and Malaysia are now facilitating a broader framework under the Kuala Lumpur Accord, which calls for the removal of landmines, heavy artillery, and military forces from disputed border areas. Officials from both countries have expressed commitment to the accord, contingent on mutual trust and verification mechanisms.

ASEAN summit and international participation

The ASEAN summit will bring together leaders from all 10 member states, along with key global actors including China, Japan, Russia, and the United States. While the summit will issue a chairman’s statement rather than a joint declaration, the event is expected to formalize the ceasefire and signal sustained diplomatic oversight.

Remaining challenges for lasting peace

Despite the initial ceasefire, tensions remain along the Thailand-Cambodia border. Both countries have accused each other of violating the truce, and full implementation of the Kuala Lumpur Accord will require ongoing monitoring, trust-building, and cooperation.

The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia erupted in late July 2025 over disputed sections of their 817-kilometer undemarcated land border, with both nations claiming control over overlapping territories. Historical tensions have long plagued the region, with periodic flare-ups fueled by military posturing, local militias, and competition for land and resources. The border areas have remained sensitive for decades, and ambiguities in demarcation have created a volatile environment prone to clashes.

While no single incident directly triggered the escalation, the combination of historical disputes and immediate territorial claims ignited the confrontation. Diplomatic efforts by Malaysia and the United States have since sought to stabilize the situation and pave the way for a lasting ceasefire.