Cambodia and Thailand: Historic disarmament agreement signed!

Cambodia and Thailand: Historic disarmament agreement signed!

On November 4, 2025, it is now official: Cambodia and Thailand have signed a disarmament agreement under the auspices of ASEAN. A step in the right direction, you could say. The focus of this agreement is on the withdrawal of heavy weapons from the two countries' border, which is particularly encouraging given recent tensions. After the border conflict flared up again in July 2025, which claimed at least 43 lives and forced around 300,000 people to flee, peace between Thailand and Cambodia is now even more important. This also became clear at a meeting of military leaders from both countries on October 31, 2025, where trust and stability at the border were again discussed. These discussions took place in an atmosphere of hope and mutual understanding, supported by the efforts of ASEAN.

Amazingly, the peace agreement was signed under the watchful eye of Donald Trump and Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Trump called the agreement “historic” and emphasized that it can save millions of lives. It includes not only the withdrawal of heavy weapons, but also the release of 18 Cambodian prisoners of war. The first steps towards implementation are scheduled for next month, with the second phase of the disarmament plan following in December 2025. In doing so, the two countries are sending an important signal that the conflict is based on a constructive solution.

Further stability measures

In addition to the disarmament agreement, an ASEAN observer team will be set up to monitor compliance with the ceasefire under the leadership of Anwar Ibrahim. Military de-escalation is a key element in strengthening trust between nations. The heavy weapons that are to be dismantled are divided into different categories: multiple rocket launchers, artillery weapons as well as tanks and combat vehicles are on the list. To ensure transparency and trust, the parties have also committed to regularly reporting on progress in eliminating these weapons.

A crucial point highlighted by Jesuit Father Enrique Figaredo is the desire for normality and peace between Cambodia and Thailand. Father Figaredo expressed hope that this disarmament agreement can bring about positive change in Cambodia. However, the current situation remains tense: due to closed borders, trade and economic activities are suffering significantly. In Cambodia, around 100,000 internally displaced people are currently living in refugee camps and are eagerly waiting to return to their homeland. Peace between Cambodia and Thailand is accordingly a frequent theme in the daily prayers of Catholics in Cambodia.

An end to the conflicts?

The history of border conflicts between Thailand and Cambodia is long and marked by unclear territorial claims, dating back to 1907. In the last few months there have been repeated conflicts that have affected the people in both countries. The disarmament agreement now has the potential to lay the foundations for stabilizing the situation, which is also supported by the significant role of ASEAN. The international community will closely monitor further developments, rightly so, because the foundations of peace and cooperation are at stake here.

It remains to be hoped that these new agreements between Cambodia and Thailand will not only be implemented on paper, but can also lead to a real improvement in living conditions and security in the region. People deserve to live in peace and security, and this agreement could be the first step toward that. Cambodia and Thailand now face the shared challenge of restoring trust and creating a peaceful neighborhood - it will be a long but necessary journey.

You can find more information in the articles from Fides, ZDF and daily news read up.