Stability between Thailand and Cambodia remains fragile but negotiators and analysts are increasingly outlining what a lasting peace framework could look like, drawing on recent diplomatic progress and the unfinished work of border demarcation and confidence building.

The path to enduring peace stems from the diplomatic efforts that followed intense clashes along the Cambodia-Thailand frontier in 2025, where hostilities prompted ceasefires, multiple rounds of talks and high-level mediation by external partners, including Malaysia and the United States.

In late October 2025, the two governments formalised the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord, a joint declaration that reaffirmed their commitment to halt hostilities and outlined measures such as troop withdrawals, joint monitoring, humanitarian demining and the restoration of diplomatic ties.

While this agreement was an important milestone, observers emphasise that it represents only the first step toward resolving deep-seated territorial disputes that have periodically erupted over decades.

From a Thai perspective, establishing mechanisms for ongoing dialogue and structured negotiations is essential.

Officials and commentators suggest that sustained engagement through bilateral forums such as the General Border Committee and joint boundary commissions can lay the groundwork for practical confidence-building measures.

These include verified troop reductions in contested zones, coordinated landmine clearance operations to enable safe civilian returns, and incremental reopening of cross-border trade and transit points that were shuttered during hostilities.

Such confidence-building measures are seen as laying the foundation for mutual trust, reducing the risk of accidental clashes and promoting socioeconomic interdependence in border regions that have suffered from decades of uncertainty.

Support from external partners continues to play a constructive role in consolidating peace efforts.

In January 2026 the United States announced a $45 million package of support to both Thailand and Cambodia to assist with border stabilisation, humanitarian assistance and complementary programs to counter illicit activities that thrive in destabilised zones.

This support reinforces international confidence in the peace process and underscores shared interests in regional stability and prosperity.

However, challenges endure.

Despite repeated commitments to ceasefires, occasional violations and lingering mistrust persist, with Cambodian officials asserting that Thai forces remain stationed in sensitive civilian areas near the frontier — claims Bangkok has refuted.

These tensions highlight the complexity of reconciling national security concerns with peace-building objectives.

A comprehensive peace blueprint therefore emphasises third-party monitoring, transparent verification of troop movements and systematic engagement on humanitarian issues, all backed by concerted diplomatic attention from ASEAN and international partners.

Only by weaving together diplomatic accord, confidence building and practical cooperation can both nations hope to transform a temporary cessation of violence into a durable peace that benefits their peoples and stability in Southeast Asia.