Cambodian, Thai Leaders Reaffirm Peace Pact, Address Detained Soldiers in Kuala Lumpur Talks

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (Oct.28, 2025) — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul met Tuesday in Kuala Lumpur to reaffirm their commitment to the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration and to discuss the humanitarian release of 18 Cambodian soldiers detained in Thailand.

At the outset of the bilateral meeting, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet extended condolences to Anutin on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother. Anutin expressed appreciation for Cambodia’s sympathy during Thailand’s national mourning.

The leaders reviewed the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration, signed Oct. 26 in the presence of U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The agreement outlines a framework for peace, cooperation, and prosperity between the two Southeast Asian neighbors following months of border tensions.

Samdech Thipadei emphasized that the declaration builds on a prior ceasefire agreement that has helped stabilize the border. He called for both sides to implement the declaration “fully and in good faith,” noting that bilateral mechanisms have already produced agreed steps forward.

A key issue raised was the status of 18 Cambodian soldiers detained by Thai forces during recent clashes. Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet renewed his call for their immediate release on humanitarian grounds, citing provisions in the joint declaration.

On October 26, 2025, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed a landmark peace accord in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, ending months of tension following deadly border clashes.

The signing took place on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit and was witnessed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, aiming to end months of military tension. As part of the agreement, Thailand committed to releasing 18 Cambodian soldiers who had been detained during the conflict.