Key Points:
- Both nations have started removing heavy weapons like rocket systems, artillery, and tanks from the disputed Thailand-Cambodia border area in a monitored, three-phase process
- The action directly addresses tensions that led to a five-day armed conflict in July 2025, which caused significant casualties and mass civilian displacement
- The peace accord was signed in Kuala Lumpur with US President Donald Trump and the Malaysian Prime Minister present, underscoring the role of regional and international diplomacy
Thailand and Cambodia have officially commenced the phased withdrawal of heavy weaponry from their contested border, marking a major step toward de-escalation following a deadly conflict earlier this year. This move follows the signing of an expanded
A Commitment to Peace on the Contested Border
Thai officials confirmed on Monday that the withdrawal of weapons and initial de-mining operations are underway, fulfilling a key commitment made under the “Joint Declaration on Peace” signed late last week.
The accord, signed by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, is intended to stabilize the border which has been the flashpoint for decades of sporadic conflict, most recently over the area surrounding the Preah Vihear temple.
The July 2025 conflict was described as the deadliest in decades between the two nations, resulting in at least 48 deaths and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians on both sides, as reported by the United Nations Development Programme.
The Three-Phase Plan for Disarmament
Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, a spokesman for the Thai Defence Ministry, provided details on the structured withdrawal plan, which is being monitored by the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT).
The disarmament is structured in three distinct phases. Phase 1 focuses, beginning November 1, on the removal of multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS), specifically the BM-21. This phase is slated to take approximately three weeks. Phase 2 will target all types of artillery, including towed and self-propelled guns. Phase 3 concluded the process with the withdrawal of tanks and armoured vehicles.
Thai officials project that the entire withdrawal of heavy weapons should be finalized by the end of the year, provided both sides adhere strictly to the agreement.
De-mining and Trust-Building Measures
Beyond the removal of heavy firepower, both countries have also initiated crucial de-mining efforts. Rear Admiral Surasant stated at a press briefing that Thailand has proposed clearing landmines in 13 specific locations, while Cambodia has identified one area for similar action. The presence of unexploded ordnance from past conflicts, exacerbated by the recent fighting, poses a severe risk to local border communities.
The peace declaration also laid out broader trust-building measures. Government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat confirmed that the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers detained since the July conflict, along with the reopening of border crossings, is conditional upon Thailand’s assessment of Cambodia’s consistent adherence to the new withdrawal arrangement. This cautious, reciprocated approach highlights the fragility of the peace process.
Underlying Drivers and International Scrutiny
Analysts suggest the recent flare-up was intensified by a mix of long-standing territorial disputes, particularly involving the Preah Vihear region, and internal domestic politics on both sides. The quick intervention of external players was critical in securing the truce.
The expanded ceasefire agreement was signed in Kuala Lumpur during the ASEAN Summit, with key international figures present. This high-level diplomatic visibility emphasizes the region’s commitment to preventing a full-scale war. As the border dispute has historically been a source of regional instability, the ongoing process of military de-escalation is a significant victory for ASEAN’s quiet diplomacy, supplemented by US mediation efforts.
While the physical withdrawal of heavy weapons is a major milestone, officials acknowledge that lasting peace requires addressing the underlying issues. Both nations have also agreed to step up joint efforts to combat transnational cybercrime and intensify the urgent process of jointly demarcating the disputed sections of the 817-kilometre border. The sincerity of implementing these non-military commitments will be the ultimate test of the new peace accord.
