Kuala Lumpur:Phnom Penh The Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration between Cambodia and Thailand marks its first anniversary today, signifying a major diplomatic effort aimed at ending armed hostilities, reducing tensions, and laying the foundation for lasting peace between the two neighboring nations.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the declaration was signed on October 26, 2025, during the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The agreement was endorsed by Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei 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, who chaired the 2025 ASEAN Summits.
On the eve of the anniversary, the U.S. Department of State reaffirmed its support for the agreement, highlighting it as a landmark diplomatic achievement facilitated by President Trump's commitment to peace. The department's statement noted the role of American diplomacy in resolving conflicts and establishing peace between the two countries.
The declaration came in the aftermath of armed clashes between Cambodia and Thailand from July 24 to 28, 2025, resulting in significant losses of military personnel and civilians. It served as a crucial diplomatic initiative to de-escalate tensions and restore relations between the neighboring countries.
Cambodia expressed deep gratitude to President Trump for his leadership and support for peace, while also recognizing the contribution of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in the peace process. The country also appreciated ASEAN member states, China, and other international partners for supporting the ceasefire and promoting stability.
Despite the declaration, renewed conflicts occurred on December 7, 2025, which led to a Joint Statement at the Third Special Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee. Cambodia has since protested against Thai military activities in unlawfully occupied areas, including the deployment of shipping containers, installation of barbed wire, and construction of fortifications.
The Royal Government of Cambodia has emphasized that it does not recognize any boundary or territorial claim unilaterally asserted by Thailand, maintaining that such activities do not affect Cambodia's legal rights or position regarding the international boundary.
Cambodia has urged Thailand to adhere to its commitments to de-escalation, cease actions that could heighten tensions, and engage in peaceful dispute resolution along the border. As the declaration enters its second year, Cambodia reaffirms its dedication to resolving boundary disputes with Thailand through peaceful means aligned with international law and existing bilateral agreements, underscoring that international borders must not be altered by force.