Thailand and Cambodia Seal “KL Peace Accord” Brokered by Donald Trump in Malaysia

Thailand and Cambodia have officially signed the “KL Peace Accord,” a landmark agreement aimed at ending decades of border tensions between the two Southeast Asian nations. The signing ceremony, held in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, 2025, took place in the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump, who described the accord as a “historic step towards lasting peace and prosperity” in the region.

KL Peace Accord Ends Long-Standing Border Conflict

The agreement was inked by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit. The deal formally concludes years of intermittent clashes over the 817-kilometre border, which have claimed more than two dozen lives. It also affirms the July ceasefire that halted five days of hostilities earlier this year following diplomatic interventions by Washington.

Trump’s Diplomatic Role and Trade Leverage

President Trump’s direct involvement proved crucial in persuading both sides to compromise. His administration reportedly used trade leverage—warning that continued hostilities could jeopardise each nation’s ongoing tariff negotiations with the United States. During the signing, Trump also announced new U.S. trade and minerals agreements with Cambodia and Thailand, reinforcing America’s economic role in the peace framework. “When we make deals, we also make peace,” he said, highlighting the transactional diplomacy underpinning his mediation efforts.

ASEAN’s Role and Regional Stability

The accord establishes an ASEAN Observer Team tasked with monitoring compliance and preventing any resurgence of violence. Malaysia, serving as ASEAN’s 2025 Chair, has emphasised “Inclusivity and Sustainability” as guiding principles for regional cooperation. The deal is being hailed as a major success for ASEAN diplomacy and a turning point in Southeast Asia’s collective conflict-prevention strategy.

Exam Oriented Facts

• The “KL Peace Accord” was signed on October 26, 2025, during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
• The accord ends disputes centred around the Preah Vihear and Prasat Ta Muen Thom temples.
• An ASEAN Observer Team will monitor the border to ensure compliance.
• Donald Trump’s mediation linked peace efforts to U.S. trade negotiations with both nations.

Historic Dispute Over Ancient Temples

At the heart of the long-running conflict lies the ownership of the ancient Hindu temples of Preah Vihear and Prasat Ta Muen Thom, located on the Dangrek mountain range. The 2011 skirmishes near these sites, which resulted in at least 16 fatalities, drew international concern and prompted UN Security Council intervention. With the new accord, both Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to pursue joint heritage preservation efforts, marking a shift from confrontation to collaboration along their shared frontier.