THAILAND, CAMBODIA DESERVE FULL CREDIT FOR KL PEACE ACCORD - ISIS MALAYSIA

By Mohd Adli Shahar

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 (Bernama) -- Thailand and Cambodia must be given full credit for the successful signing of the KL Peace Accord, as the landmark agreement would not have been possible without their political will to resolve the long-standing border conflict.

Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia Chairman, Datuk Prof Dr Mohd Faiz Abdullah, said that while other parties had played instrumental roles in facilitating the accord, the commitment of both nations was the most decisive factor.

"If they are not willing to settle in, then no matter what you do, peace will remain elusive. So, strong credit must go to the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand who have made that effort," he told Bernama in an interview on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, here, today.

Mohd Faiz said the signing of the KL Peace Accord was a powerful symbol of ASEAN unity and centrality, demonstrating that diplomacy and cooperation remain the best means to resolve conflicts peacefully.

"This is a classic case showing that if there's a genuine will and collective effort, even complex disputes can be resolved," he said.

He noted that with the establishment of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), which will facilitate the deployment of ASEAN member states’ armed forces to monitor conflict areas, the immediate task now rests with the militaries of both countries.

"The first step is to demilitarise their borders by removing weapons and troops from flashpoint areas. That process has already begun,” he said. 

Once the border stabilises, Mohd Faiz said, the focus should shift to long-term resettlement efforts led by non-governmental organisations (NGOs). 

“Fortunately, the destruction is not as severe there...unlike in Gaza, where massive rebuilding is required, the situation here remains under control,” he said.

Thailand and Cambodia have long been locked in a border dispute spanning 817 kilometres. The latest flare-up on July 24 led to a military confrontation, but tensions were eventually defused through ASEAN mediation.

On July 28, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim hosted a crucial meeting in Putrajaya with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s then-Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, in a renewed effort to de-escalate the ongoing border conflict.

The accord, hailed as a major ASEAN diplomatic achievement, has helped prevent further escalation and protected the lives of thousands of civilians along the shared border.

During the interview, Mohd Faiz also praised Anwar’s concept of “sovereignty in terms of interdependence” as a remarkable principle to ensure lasting peace in the region.

“The concept emphasises the importance of every nation, regardless of size, feeling secure knowing that it will not be overpowered by another country with greater economic or military strength,” he said.

Mohd Faiz concluded that the 47th ASEAN Summit has been a resounding success, noting its well-structured organisation and tangible outcomes.

Malaysia, as the Chair of ASEAN, is hosting the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability” at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from Oct 26 to 28, 2025.

-- BERNAMA