President Donald Trump will establish peace parameters between Thailand and Cambodia at the Malaysia event, marking what he describes as a major diplomatic achievement. The US president announced his role while traveling aboard Air Force One to attend the 47th ASEAN summit.
The peace parameters address a border conflict that escalated into violence in July 2025, when Thai and Cambodian military forces engaged in five days of intense fighting along their disputed frontier. The violent confrontation resulted in loss of life and displaced thousands of civilians living near the border, underscoring the critical need for a diplomatic solution.
Malaysia successfully mediated between the warring parties and negotiated a ceasefire that was implemented in late July 2025, bringing an end to the active fighting. The Malaysian government has maintained its peacekeeping role by coordinating ASEAN observer missions that continue to monitor the truce and ensure both nations honor the terms of the cessation of hostilities.
In a Truth Social post, President Trump stated that the peace parameters establishment would occur immediately upon his arrival in Malaysia to accommodate all the dignitaries attending this significant diplomatic event. Trump also expressed condolences for the death of Thailand’s Queen Mother and confirmed he would meet with Thailand’s Prime Minister upon landing. The ceremony will be witnessed by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and other ASEAN leaders.
The established peace parameters build on recent diplomatic progress made during a two-day special meeting of the Cambodia-Thai Joint Commission on Demarcation for the Land Boundary held in Chanthaburi, Thailand, in late October. Both nations reached several key agreements aimed at expediting the land demarcation process along their more than 800-kilometer shared border. Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has indicated that both countries are close to finalizing a Declaration of Thailand-Cambodia Relations designed to permanently resolve border issues. The territorial dispute has historically centered on ancient Hindu temple sites in the Dangrek Mountains, with previous serious violence in 2011 near Preah Vihear temple resulting in at least 16 deaths and UN Security Council involvement.
