Thailand to release 18 Cambodian soldiers following KL Peace Accord

KUALA LUMPUR: Thailand will release 18 detained Cambodian soldiers as part of a peace deal signed between the two neighbouring countries, marking a new milestone in restoring stability and trust along their shared border.

AI Brief

Thai PM Anutin announced the start of peace implementation with Cambodia under the KL Peace Accord.
Both sides will remove heavy weapons from the border to ensure safety and rebuild community trust.
Thailand also signed trade and mineral cooperation deals with the US to strengthen economic ties and supply chain resilience.

Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the decision followed the signing of the Kuala Lumpur (KL) Peace Accord today, which reflected both sides' commitment to peace, sovereignty and mutual respect.

Under the KL Peace Accord, Anutin said both sides will begin implementing all agreed points, including the prompt removal of heavy weapons from the border to ensure safety and rebuild confidence between communities.

"Today marks a new chapter for Thailand and Cambodia. We take a concrete step towards peace," he said during the signing ceremony at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here, on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.

The signing between Anutin and Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Manet was witnessed by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his capacity as ASEAN Chair and United States President Donald Trump.

Anutin also expressed gratitude to Anwar for his leadership in upholding ASEAN unity, and to Trump for "his personal dedication to peace" between Thailand and Cambodia.

"We have come a long way since agreeing to the ceasefire here in Malaysia on July 28. The discussions since then have led to this important outcome, which is the signing of our joint declaration today.

"I have to thank Hun Manet for his cooperation and support that led us to this moment," he said.

The Thai leader emphasised that full implementation of the declaration would provide a foundation for lasting peace.

"But more importantly, it begins the process of mending our ties. Our border communities have been divided by conflict, and innocent civilians have suffered immense losses. This declaration places a firm responsibility on our two parties to act," he added.

Anutin also announced the signing of two key economic documents, namely a joint statement outlining the framework for a US-Thailand reciprocal trade agreement, and a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in critical minerals, aimed at promoting resilient and sustainable supply chains for years to come.

-- BERNAMA