United States President Donald Trump will deliver a peace covenant between Thailand and Cambodia at the Malaysian summit, bringing his endorsement to what he describes as a “great peace deal” that he brokered. The delivery will take place at the 47th ASEAN summit, where Trump will also hold discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The peace covenant responds to violent clashes that erupted in July 2025 between Thai and Cambodian military forces over disputed border territories. The five-day confrontation resulted in casualties on both sides and created a displacement crisis as thousands of civilians abandoned their homes, highlighting the severe nature of the conflict and the need for peace.
Through Malaysian mediation, a ceasefire was successfully negotiated and implemented in late July 2025, effectively ending the active phase of the fighting. Malaysia has continued its peacekeeping efforts by coordinating ASEAN observer missions that monitor the truce and ensure both Thailand and Cambodia adhere to the terms of the ceasefire agreement.
While traveling aboard Air Force One, President Trump announced via Truth Social that the peace covenant delivery would take place immediately upon his arrival in Malaysia. The timing has been adjusted to accommodate the numerous world leaders attending this historic event, including Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and other ASEAN leaders. Trump also expressed condolences for the recent passing of Thailand’s Queen Mother and stated he would meet with Thailand’s Prime Minister shortly after landing.
The peace covenant builds on recent diplomatic breakthroughs achieved during a two-day special meeting of the Cambodia-Thai Joint Commission on Demarcation for the Land Boundary held in Chanthaburi, Thailand, on October 21-22. During these discussions, 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 stated that both sides are moving closer to finalizing a comprehensive Declaration of Thailand-Cambodia Relations to permanently resolve border issues. The territorial dispute has historically focused on ancient Hindu temple sites in the Dangrek Mountains, with previous violence in 2011 near Preah Vihear temple resulting in at least 16 deaths.