(Phnom Penh): For the past week, the situation along the Cambodia–Thailand border, once a flashpoint of armed confrontation and heavy artillery positions, has gradually begun to return to a state of calm under the implementation of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement.
November 1, 2025 marked the first day of the phased withdrawal and adjustment of heavy weaponry, including tanks, armored vehicles, howitzers, and rocket systems, being returned to their original bases as outlined in the agreement. At the same time, military mobilization is being reduced and reorganized in order to ease tensions and restore confidence along the border.
As a result, residents in previously insecure border areas have started to return to their homes and farmland under the regular monitoring of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), which is tasked with observing, recording, and verifying the implementation on the ground to prevent any violations by either party.
These developments confirm that the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement is not merely a political declaration, but a set of binding commitments actively implemented by both sides. It also reflects the effectiveness of Cambodia’s “Quiet but Not Silent” strategy — a diplomatic approach rooted in patience, international legal principles, and strategic restraint.
*Implementation by Cambodia After the Peace Agreement
The withdrawal of heavy weapons on November 1, 2025 followed the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement on October 26, 2025, witnessed by U.S. President Donald Trump and the ASEAN Chair, the Prime Minister of Malaysia.
In the first week of implementation, Cambodia:
• Began withdrawing heavy weapons such as Howitzers, BM-21 rocket launchers, and armored vehicles based on the “No Fire First” principle.
• Continued coordination through the Cambodia–Thailand Military Region Border Committee (RBC) and the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC).
• Reaffirmed the legal validity of the 1904–1907 historical border map recognized by international law.
• Through CMAC, began cooperation with the Thai Demining Center to create a 7–12 km “Mine-Free Peace Belt”, transforming former conflict zones into secure civilian areas.
*Implementation by Thailand After the Peace Agreement
Following the agreement, Thailand:
• Ordered a halt to troop movements and restricted reinforcement activities.
• Withdrew portions of heavy weaponry, including tanks and 155mm artillery, to rear bases — as part of the phased withdrawal, not an immediate full pullback.
• Accepted AOT monitoring, permitting inspections at Ta Moan Temple, Ta Krabey, Prey Chan, and Chhork Chhey.
• Maintained a 24-hour military hotline with Cambodian commanders to prevent misunderstandings or accidental engagements.
• The Thai JBC agreed to technical border coordination without rejecting the 1904–1907 map, demonstrating that Thailand can no longer push for a unilateral map claim.
On the humanitarian front, 18 Cambodian soldiers previously detained in Thailand are scheduled to be released in phases under ASEAN and ICRC coordination. Civilians in border villages are being allowed to return to daily life under international observation.
*Transparency in Disarmament
According to the RBC Joint Statement of October 31, 2025, the disarmament process will withdraw three categories of heavy weapons:
1. Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS)
2. 105mm and 155mm towed or self-propelled artillery
3. Main Battle Tanks (MBTs)
This process will be carried out in three phases over nine weeks (November 1 – December 31, 2025), with AOT supervising and verifying each phase to ensure full transparency.
The statement further warns that any concealment or misreporting of weapons by either side will be treated as a violation of the peace spirit and bilateral stability.
Conclusion
The implementation of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement clearly demonstrates that peace cannot be achieved unilaterally, but requires cooperation, obligation, verification, and trust-building. The border is now transitioning from a zone of confrontation to a zone of stability and peace, backed by ASEAN and the international community — including the direct witnessing role of President Donald Trump.
This progress is the direct result of Cambodia’s “Quiet but Not Silent” strategy under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet, a strategy grounded in diplomacy, patience, and international law. It has strengthened Cambodia’s international legitimacy and unified external support in defending the Kingdom’s territorial sovereignty.
Although Cambodia is smaller than its neighbor in territory, economy, and population, it has not bowed to pressure or threats. Instead, Cambodia has secured peace through resolve, principle, and strategic clarity.
