Peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia – relief after weeks of conflict

Thailand and Cambodia signed a peace agreement on Sunday, October 26, ending the recent armed conflict on their shared border. The agreement, which was concluded at the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, brings tangible relief to the region – and raises hopes that stability will return after weeks of uncertainty.

The conclusion of the peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia marks the beginning of a phase of hope and a new beginning. With this in mind, we are taking previous posts on the conflict offline for the time being to express the spirit of reconciliation.

Note: Visiting Siem Reap and all other tourist regions of Cambodia is completely safe and hassle-free.

Under the mediation of US President Donald Trump and Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the countries agreed to withdraw their heavy weapons from the border area and release the captured Cambodian soldiers. There are also plans for the joint clearance of minefields and the deployment of ASEAN observers to monitor implementation.

The agreement also provides for regular meetings between the two defense ministries in order to defuse tensions at an early stage in the future. Closer economic cooperation and support for the reconstruction of affected villages are also planned.

Political observers see the agreement as a diplomatic success for ASEAN, which had made intensive efforts to mediate in recent months. China, the USA and the United Nations also welcomed the agreement and promised support in its implementation.

According to initial information, the agreement essentially contains the following four points:

1. Withdrawal of heavy weapons from the border area

Both states have undertaken to withdraw their heavy weapons – including artillery, mortars and armored vehicles – from a defined security zone along the border within two weeks.

• This zone is to be around 10 kilometers wide, five kilometers on each side.
• The aim is to create a military-free buffer zone to prevent incidents.
• Light infantry units may remain in the respective border posts for the time being, but only to secure the civilian population.
• The withdrawal will be controlled gradually under the supervision of joint teams from the two defense ministries.

2. Release of Cambodian prisoners

Thailand agreed to release 18 Cambodian soldiers who were captured during the fighting in July 2025.

• The handover is to take place via a neutral border post under the supervision of the Red Cross.
• In return, Cambodia undertakes to locate Thai missing persons and hand over all identified bodies of fallen soldiers.

3. Joint demining and reconstruction

There are still thousands of landmines from previous conflicts in the border areas.

• The two countries will form joint demining teams with the support of international partners, particularly from Japan and the USA.
• The clearance will initially begin in the provinces of Preah Vihear (Cambodia) and Sisaket (Thailand).
• At the same time, destroyed villages and roads are to be repaired; ASEAN and UN aid programs are to finance the reconstruction.
• Civilians from the region are also to be involved in mine awareness in order to prevent accidents.

4. Monitoring and security by ASEAN teams

ASEAN observer teams will be deployed to monitor the ceasefire.

• These teams will be active both at the border and in the respective ministries of defense.
• Their mandate includes the monitoring of troop movements, the exchange of information on incidents and mediation in the event of tensions.
• The teams consist of officers from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines – countries that are considered neutral.
• The first mission is to start within ten days of signing and last at least six months.

The exact wording of the agreement has not yet been published. Therefore the exact wording of the aforementioned 4 points cannot be guaranteed.