Joint Declaration by the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand on the outcomes of their meeting in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia

10/26/2025

Briefings & Statements

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Action Summary

Meeting Overview: Joint Declaration signed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on October 26, 2025, by the Prime Ministers of Cambodia and Thailand, witnessed by President Donald J. Trump (USA) and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (Malaysia).
Commitment to Peace & Security: Reaffirmation of longstanding commitment to peace, security, and non-use of force; adherence to international law and mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national identity.
Implementation of Previous Agreements: Confirmation of commitments made in Putrajaya (July 28, 2025) and ongoing adherence to agreements from the General Border Committee meetings.
Establishment of ASEAN Observer Team (AOT): Signing of Terms of Reference (TOR) for the AOT to monitor and ensure the effective implementation of the ceasefire, with calls for support from other ASEAN Member States.
Military De-escalation Measures: Agreement to observe military de-escalation under AOT supervision, including removal of heavy and destructive weaponry from border areas.
Information and Confidence Building: Commitment to refrain from spreading false information and to launch immediate confidence-building measures to restore trust and prevent escalation.
Humanitarian and Border Safety Initiatives: Coordination of humanitarian de-mining efforts and strengthening border controls to protect civilians and counter transnational crimes.
Peaceful Resolution of Border Disputes: Pledge to settle border disputes and demarcation issues through diplomatic channels and existing bilateral mechanisms, respecting international law.
Prisoners of War Release: Thailand’s undertaking to promptly release prisoners of war as a gesture to build mutual confidence.
Future Cooperation & Regional Stability: Emphasis on enhanced cooperation, strategic communications, and a forward-looking approach towards peaceful, neighborly relations guided by the principles of the UN and ASEAN Charters.
Acknowledgment of External Contributions: Recognition of significant contributions by President Donald J. Trump in advancing the restoration of bilateral relations.

Risks & Considerations

The joint declaration between Cambodia and Thailand, witnessed by the President of the United States, emphasizes peace and security, which could influence regional stability in Southeast Asia. This may indirectly affect international students from these regions at Vanderbilt University, potentially impacting enrollment and diversity.
The commitment to refrain from disseminating false information and promoting peaceful dialogue aligns with Vanderbilt’s focus on information reliability and democratic principles. This could present opportunities for collaboration in research and policy development related to international peace and conflict resolution.
The establishment of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) and the focus on humanitarian de-mining and border dispute resolution may open avenues for Vanderbilt’s research programs in international law, conflict resolution, and humanitarian efforts.
While the declaration itself does not pose direct risks to Vanderbilt, the geopolitical dynamics and U.S. involvement in the region could influence federal policies and funding priorities, potentially affecting research grants and international collaborations.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s International Studies Program may benefit from increased interest in Southeast Asian politics and international relations, providing opportunities for academic research and student engagement.
The Peabody College of Education and Human Development could explore partnerships with ASEAN countries to promote educational initiatives and cultural exchange programs.
Vanderbilt’s Law School might find opportunities to engage in research and dialogue on international law and conflict resolution, particularly in the context of border disputes and peace agreements.

Financial Impact

The declaration itself does not directly impact Vanderbilt’s financial standing. However, any shifts in U.S. foreign policy or federal funding priorities as a result of increased involvement in Southeast Asia could influence research funding and international partnerships.
Potential collaborations with ASEAN countries and involvement in international peace and conflict resolution initiatives could open new funding opportunities for Vanderbilt’s research programs.

Relevance Score: 2 (The declaration presents minor considerations for Vanderbilt, primarily in terms of international collaboration and research opportunities.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Center for International Studies should monitor developments in Southeast Asia, particularly the peace and security measures between Cambodia and Thailand, to assess potential impacts on regional stability and international relations. This could inform research and educational programs focused on international diplomacy and conflict resolution.
The Office of Global Safety and Security should evaluate travel advisories and safety protocols for students and faculty involved in programs or research in Southeast Asia, ensuring their safety and preparedness in light of the ongoing peace efforts and border security measures.
Vanderbilt’s Political Science Department could explore research opportunities related to the role of international law and regional organizations like ASEAN in conflict resolution, using the Cambodia-Thailand agreement as a case study to enhance academic discourse and policy recommendations.
The Peabody College of Education and Human Development might consider developing educational modules or workshops on peacebuilding and international cooperation, drawing lessons from the Cambodia-Thailand peace process to educate students on effective conflict resolution strategies.

Opportunities

The agreement presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Law School to engage in comparative legal studies on international boundary disputes and the application of international law in peaceful conflict resolution, potentially contributing to scholarly publications and policy dialogues.
Vanderbilt can leverage its expertise in international relations to host conferences or seminars on the implications of the Cambodia-Thailand peace agreement, fostering dialogue among scholars, policymakers, and practitioners on regional peace and security.
The focus on humanitarian de-mining and socio-economic development in border areas aligns with Vanderbilt’s commitment to global development. The university could explore partnerships with international organizations to support de-mining efforts and community development projects in affected regions.

Relevance Score: 3 (The agreement offers some opportunities for Vanderbilt to engage in international studies and conflict resolution research, requiring adjustments to academic and research programs.)

Average Relevance Score: 2.6

Timeline for Implementation

N/A (No explicit timeline or deadline was provided in the declaration, as all steps are described in qualitative terms.)

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

ASEAN Observer Team (AOT): Established as per the signed Terms of Reference, this team will monitor and verify the implementation of ceasefire measures along the border.
ASEAN Member States: Called upon to provide the necessary support to enable the AOT to fulfill its objectives, thereby playing a role in regional peace and security.
General Border Committee: Referenced as the forum where prior agreements were reached, its role is central to guiding the ceasefire and border management processes.
Regional Border Committee: Identified as a bilateral mechanism for managing and de-escalating border-related tensions between the involved nations.
Joint Boundary Commission (JBC): Tasked with the peaceful settlement of border disputes and the demarcation of boundaries, ensuring issues are addressed under international norms.

Relevance Score: 2 (A moderate number of regional and ASEAN-related organizations are directly impacted by the declaration.)

Responsible Officials

Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia – Charged with directing military de-escalation, overseeing the designation of implementation teams, and coordinating confidence-building and humanitarian measures along the border.
Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand – Responsible for executing military de-escalation measures, coordinating the release of prisoners of war as a confidence-building step, and managing directives related to border security and humanitarian de-mining.
Officials of ASEAN Member States – Expected to support the ASEAN Observer Team by providing the necessary resources and personnel for effective ceasefire monitoring, as called for in the declaration.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives affect the highest level of government leadership, with the Prime Ministers and key international partners implementing strategic peace and security measures.)