Cambodia and Thailand have expanded a ceasefire agreement brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, marking a significant step toward ending their border conflict. The deal includes provisions for Thailand to release 18 Cambodian soldiers held captive and for both nations to begin the process of removing heavy weapons from the border.
Trump had previously threatened higher tariffs against both countries to encourage their cooperation in ending the violence, which resulted in dozens of deaths and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people. The agreement, signed during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, represents a critical diplomatic achievement, with both nations committing to long-term peace and stability in the region.
Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul played key roles in finalizing the agreement, with Trump observing the ceremony. The ceasefire’s expansion comes months after the initial deal was struck, highlighting the ongoing efforts to maintain peace in the region. The agreement not only aims to reduce immediate hostilities but also to lay the groundwork for future cooperation and mutual trust between the two nations.
While the agreement has been welcomed as a positive development, challenges remain, including the need for both countries to fulfill their commitments and the potential for renewed tensions in the future. The involvement of the U.S. in mediating the conflict underscores its continued strategic interest in Southeast Asia, a region of growing economic and geopolitical significance.