On the international political stage, the signing of the Joint Declaration between Cambodia and Thailand in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, 2025, was far from an ordinary event. Prior to the signing, continued military tension and fears of renewed conflict along the Cambodian-Thai border had left the public anxious, uncertain, and lacking confidence in the future of peace.

However, following the signing, the situation shifted rapidly. Widespread concerns were replaced with renewed hope for genuine, long-term stability. After the signing ceremony, the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration was officially released, and the White House also issued a statement confirming U.S. support—emphasizing that this peace agreement not only halted conflict, but also opened the door to expanding economic cooperation between the United States and both nations.

**From Fragile Peace to a Strong, Internationally Guaranteed Peace

The Joint Declaration explicitly established the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) to monitor and verify the withdrawal of heavy weapons and the implementation of the ceasefire along the border.
This transition from the Interim Observer Team (IOT) to the AOT signifies that peace is no longer based solely on bilateral commitments, but is now supported by a formal, internationally monitored peace mechanism.

This milestone confirms that Cambodia’s “quiet but not silent” strategy has successfully called global attention to the reality of border violations. The establishment of the AOT—long sought by Cambodia—has now been realized with broad international endorsement.

With the United States and ASEAN serving as guarantors and principal observers, neither side can now act unilaterally as before.
Moreover, Thailand’s previous use of the “Salami Slicing” strategy—gradually encroaching on Cambodian land through border fencing and psychological warfare—is now subject to international legal oversight and real-time monitoring.

This demonstrates clearly that Cambodia’s strategy wins through law and diplomacy—not through the use of force.

**Donald Trump: The Peace Agreement “Saved Millions of Lives”

Both the Kuala Lumpur joint statement and the White House announcement clearly stated that the temporary ceasefire has been converted into an internationally guaranteed peace.
In his opening remarks at the ceremony, U.S. President Donald Trump stated:

“This is very exciting because we did something that many people said could not be done, and we saved, maybe, millions of lives on this one peace deal itself.”
The Joint Declaration, signed by the Prime Ministers of Cambodia and Thailand in the presence of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and U.S. President Donald Trump, is therefore not simply a peace document.

It is a turning point—laying the foundation for lasting stability and a new era of economic transformation for Cambodia.
This achievement represents a strategic step toward opening new economic opportunities, attracting foreign investment, developing border regions, and strengthening the livelihoods of the Cambodian people. It reflects the political foresight emphasized by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, who recently stated on social media:
“This is the early harvest of Prime Minister Hun Manet’s ‘quiet but not silent’ strategy in signing the Cambodia–Thailand peace agreement, achieved under the coordination of the ASEAN Chair and the
President of the United States.”

Samdech Techo further affirmed:
“This is the protection and preservation of peace, both within the country and with our neighbors, which remains our highest national priority.”
These statements highlight a deeper truth: peace that is guaranteed by the international community is not merely a temporary ceasefire, but the foundation for sustainable economic development and long-term national progress.

Therefore, it is increasingly evident that the success of the “quiet but not silent” strategy is paving the way for Cambodia to advance toward the Vision 2050 goal—transforming the Kingdom into a high-income nation and a rising economic power in the region.

**Kuala Lumpur Declaration Opens a New Chapter in Cambodia–U.S. Economic Relations

In addition to prioritizing peace, the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration clearly states that both sides must work together to restore stability and development in the border regions, ensuring that the people of both countries will no longer live under the threat or fear of renewed conflict.
The Declaration also marked the opening of broader relations between the United States and both countries, particularly with Cambodia, under the 7th Mandate Royal Government led by Prime Minister Hun
Manet, which has set the national goal of transforming Cambodia into a high-income country by 2050.
At the signing ceremony in Malaysia, U.S. President Donald Trump affirmed:

“On behalf of the United States, I’m proud to help settle this conflict and forge a future for the region where proud independent nations can prosper and thrive, with safety, security and peace.”
According to the White House, the Kuala Lumpur meeting resulted in:
• The lifting of the U.S. arms embargo on Cambodia;
• The resumption of the “Angkor Guard” joint military exercise, suspended for more than 10 years;
• The formalization of a 19% tariff on Cambodian exports to the United States; and
• Cambodia’s agreement to eliminate all tariffs on U.S. goods—including food, agricultural products, and industrial exports—entering the Cambodian market.

The United States also agreed to increase military education and training opportunities for Cambodian officers at West Point, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and other military academies.
In addition, Cambodia and the United States agreed to expand cooperation in combating transnational crime, including drug trafficking, financial crimes, and cybercrime networks. These measures will help create a secure and predictable environment for investment—forming the basis for expanding trade, boosting tourism, connecting markets, and increasing community incomes.
This demonstrates that the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration is not merely a political document; it is a strategic blueprint for long-term economic growth and a major step toward Cambodia’s vision of becoming a high-income nation by 2050.

In this sense, the peace established at Kuala Lumpur is not only a diplomatic achievement, but also a form of national economic capital—one that will generate new income, new growth, and new prosperity for the Cambodian people across the country.

Conclusion:

The signing of the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration is not merely the end of conflict between Cambodia and Thailand—it marks the beginning of a new chapter in advancing Cambodia’s national development. It stands as clear evidence that peace did not emerge by coincidence, but through strategy, wisdom, and patience exercised by Cambodia in resolving disputes with its neighbor.
Cambodia did not resort to armed force to secure victory. Instead, it succeeded through the “quiet but not silent” strategy—a policy rooted in the rule of law, national unity, and strong international support. As a result, Cambodia has safeguarded its territorial integrity based on legal principles and sovereign rights, while simultaneously laying the groundwork for new economic opportunities, increased investment, and improved living standards for its people.

This is peace with economic value—not symbolic peace, nor peace in rhetoric alone.

If this peace is viewed as the starting point of Vision 2050, then Cambodia is well on track to achieving its long-term national ambitions. By the year 2050, Cambodia is positioned to become not only a high-income nation, but also a stable, secure, and influential state in the region—under the steady leadership of the Royal Government of Cambodia led by the Cambodian People’s Party.
If peace begins today, then peace itself becomes a national investment—one that will yield profound returns in prosperity, stability, and happiness for the next generation of Cambodians.