Cambodia Begins Withdrawal of Heavy Weapons from Border Following Peace Deal with Thailand
Phnom Penh, October 27 — Cambodia has started to withdraw heavy weapons from its border with Thailand. The move follows the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement, signed on Sunday between Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia and Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of Thailand. The accord was witnessed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
🇰🇭 First Step Toward Peace
At 11 a.m. on October 27, officials from the Ministry of National Defence and the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) inspected the first group of armored vehicles returning to their base in Banteay Srei district, Siem Reap province.
These vehicles had been stationed near Tormacheat village, Sra’Aem commune, Choam Ksant district, Preah Vihear province, an area that has seen years of military tension. The withdrawal began at 9 p.m. on Saturday, only hours after the signing of the peace deal.
🤝 Symbol of Commitment
Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, spokeswoman for the Ministry of National Defence, said the withdrawal demonstrates Cambodia’s determination to fulfill the terms of the peace accord.
“This action shows Cambodia’s firm commitment to the Joint Declaration adopted in Kuala Lumpur,” Lt. Gen. Socheata said. “We believe this step will build mutual trust and promote lasting peace and stability along the border.”
According to the Ministry, Cambodia is the first country to begin removing heavy weapons as part of the bilateral agreement. Thailand is expected to follow with its own demilitarization phase soon.
🌏 ASEAN Oversight and Next Steps
ASEAN’s Observer Team is monitoring the withdrawal process to ensure transparency. The team will continue to oversee the next stages of the peace plan, including troop reductions and the reopening of border checkpoints.
The agreement aims to end decades of friction over the Preah Vihear temple region, which has sparked repeated clashes since the early 2000s. Both governments have pledged to replace military deployments with joint economic and cultural programs that promote regional cooperation.
💬 Regional Impact
Analysts say the withdrawal is a turning point for Cambodia–Thailand relations. It could also boost trade and tourism in the border provinces.
“Both countries are showing genuine commitment,” said a regional diplomat in Kuala Lumpur. “This progress will help restore confidence and strengthen ASEAN’s peacekeeping reputation.”
As part of the next phase, Cambodia and Thailand will carry out joint verification missions to ensure that heavy weapons are fully removed from sensitive areas.
🕊️ A Move Toward Stability
Lt. Gen. Socheata added that Cambodia hopes the positive momentum will continue. “We want to turn the border into a zone of peace, development, and friendship,” she said.
The government plans to coordinate further withdrawals and inspections in the coming weeks. If the process stays on track, it could pave the way for a permanent peace between the two neighbors.
