The recent ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, where Cambodia and Thailand signed an agreement regarding their border dispute, was undeniably dominated by the presence of US President Donald Trump. Towering over the proceedings, Trump delivered the longest speech and made the most significant claims about the accord.
He enthusiastically described the event as “momentous” and a “monumental step for South East Asia,” labelling the prime ministers of both nations as “historic figures.” Trump recounted how his involvement in the conflict began during a golf trip in Scotland, emphasizing its importance over leisure. He clearly leveraged the event to bolster his image as a peacemaker, citing his administration’s supposed success in ending eight wars within eight months, a feat he called a “hobby” he excelled at and loved.
However, the substance of this “Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord,” as Trump has rebranded it, is being scrutinized. Both countries had already agreed to a ceasefire in July, a process also reportedly influenced by Trump. The details of the latest agreement reveal incremental progress rather than a breakthrough.
The accord includes the withdrawal of heavy weapons from the disputed border, the establishment of an interim observer team, a new landmine clearance procedure, and the creation of a joint taskforce to tackle illegal scam centres. Missing border markers are to be replaced with temporary ones.
While Thai diplomats suggest Trump’s involvement might encourage adherence to these agreements, fundamental border disputes remain unresolved and carry the risk of reignition. The Thai Foreign Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, preferred to call it a “pathway to peace” rather than a peace agreement, a more measured description compared to Trump’s grand pronouncements.
Experts like Sebastian Strangio, Southeast Asia Editor for The Diplomat magazine, have noted the agreement’s modest scope, questioning its significance for a US president to preside over. Cambodia, however, has been more receptive, as it seeks international attention for its dispute with Thailand, which it has brought before the International Court of Justice – a move Thailand opposes.
The event underscores the region’s delicate geopolitical balance. Southeast Asian nations, heavily reliant on the US market, were keen not to alienate Trump, especially after a year of challenging trade negotiations. Trump’s brief visit, before heading to Japan and an Apec meeting, was seen as an opportunity for ASEAN to restore some stability to its relationship with the US, despite his transactional approach.