US President Donald Trump on Sunday presided over the signing of an expanded ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, marking a significant diplomatic milestone as he began his five-day tour of Asia.
The agreement was inked in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, attended by regional leaders. The ceasefire was signed by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in Trump’s presence.
The new deal builds upon a truce brokered three months ago following a five-day border conflict that left dozens dead. At that time, Trump personally intervened, calling on both leaders to halt hostilities or risk jeopardizing trade negotiations with Washington.
Under the enhanced terms, Thailand has agreed to release 18 Cambodian soldiers captured during the clashes, while both nations will withdraw heavy weapons from the border region. The move aims to secure lasting peace and stability between the neighboring countries.
Following the ceasefire ceremony, Trump signed two new agreements a reciprocal trade pact with Cambodia and a critical minerals deal with Thailand. According to the White House, he is also expected to sign a similar minerals agreement with Malaysia during his stay in Kuala Lumpur.
Trump’s Asia trip, which includes stops in Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea, is his first visit to the region since taking office in January. The tour will culminate in high-stakes trade talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, as Washington and Beijing navigate tensions over tariffs and technology exports.
Meanwhile, Trump’s arrival in Malaysia came just hours after he announced a 10% tariff hike on Canadian goods, in response to an anti-tariff advertisement sponsored by the Ontario government. Although Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is also attending the ASEAN summit, Trump told reporters he has no plans to meet him during the event.
The ceasefire signing underscores Trump’s growing involvement in Asian diplomacy, blending trade interests with strategic peace efforts in the region.
