Cambodian Scholars Hail Historic Peace Accord with Thailand

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct. 29, 2025) — Cambodian scholars and analysts have welcomed the recent peace accord between Cambodia and Thailand, calling it a historic breakthrough that could end decades of border tensions between the two neighbors.

Chhot Bunthong, a professor of philosophy and social analyst, said the agreement marked a major diplomatic achievement.

“This is a great effort by our Prime Minister, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, which has finally led to this accord witnessed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim,” Bunthong said. “Such an agreement has never happened at an ASEAN Summit before.”

He noted that previous disputes, including the Preah Vihear Temple standoff, saw limited mediation success. The current accord, he said, signals a “new era” of direct engagement by global and regional leaders.

Yang Peou, a geopolitics analyst, praised Cambodia’s diplomacy at the ASEAN Summit, saying the deal includes provisions requiring both countries to resolve border issues based on international law, ASEAN’s charter, and historical treaties.

On Oct. 26, Prime Ministers Hun Manet and Anutin Charnvirakul signed the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration, witnessed by President Trump and Prime Minister Anwar. Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet called it a “historic moment,” reaffirming Cambodia’s commitment to peace and cooperation.