Peace agreement: Thailand and Cambodia withdraw their first weapons!

Peace agreement: Thailand and Cambodia withdraw their first weapons!

The first steps towards peace between Thailand and Cambodia have finally been taken. At 6:45 p.m. local time on November 1, the withdrawal of heavy weapons from the border area began, marking the implementation of the peace agreement signed in Kuala Lumpur on October 26. The heads of government of both nations, Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet, were in close contact to coordinate the process. With his pressure, US President Donald Trump also made a decisive contribution to the agreement, which, as he emphasized, was intended to save dozens of human lives. [nd-aktuell] reports that this border conflict, which escalated for five days in July 2025 and left dozens dead, saw the heaviest fighting between the two countries in over a decade.

Next up is the withdrawal of rocket launchers by November 21st, followed by artillery and tanks in the further phases. The goal is to reduce the military presence in the border region to the level of April 2025 by the turn of the year. Lieutenant General Maly Socheata emphasized the importance of the joint efforts of both countries in implementing the agreement. Despite this progress, Thailand and Cambodia accuse each other of violating the ceasefire. During the conflict, tens of thousands of people were forced to flee their homes and there were reports of Thai soldiers being injured due to mines along the border area.

The background to the conflict

The background to these tensions is complex and shaped by long-standing border disputes. In July 2025, the conflict culminated in fighting that had serious consequences not only militarily but also humanitarianally. Around 300,000 people were temporarily displaced and political tensions dominated the headlines. To prevent escalation, a ceasefire was brokered, which also includes the agreement that provides for the release of 18 Cambodian prisoners of war under certain conditions. These conditions include a full implementation of the withdrawal of weapons and the clearance of mined areas, a task considered particularly complicated. [Tagesschau] highlights that Thailand also refuses to release the captured soldiers until all agreements are fulfilled.

Amid these political developments, there were also internal tensions within Thailand. Activist Veera Somkwamkid and a group of his supporters broke through a barrier to draw attention to the situation, which was stopped by security forces. Despite these incidents and the ongoing tensions, the governments of both countries appear determined to honor the agreements. The establishment of an ASEAN observer team should also contribute to de-escalation.

The steps now taken can be seen as a positive signal, but uncertainties remain. Implementing the agreements requires not only military discipline but also a genuine belief in the possibility of lasting peace. A bold step in the right direction may actually bring an end to hostilities. All eyes are now on what is happening in the border region, because this is where it will be decided whether the path to a peaceful future will be paved. [Time] highlights the further opportunities and challenges that both Thailand and Cambodia still have to overcome.