Description: Thailand’s Defense Minister, Natthaphon Narkphanit, stated that peace negotiations between his country and Cambodia were rapidly progressing and both sides have concluded key compromises on several disputed issues. Cambodia’s deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Tea Seiha, stated that according to the reported progress, both countries are expected to sign a peace agreement during the upcoming ASEAN Summit in Malaysia. The information arrives after Malaysian Foreign Minister, Mohamed Hasan, announced last week that rounds of successful mediation efforts have led to substantial progress in concluding the peace agreement between Cambodia and Thailand, primarily led by the US. Narkphanit also added that Thailand and Cambodia have agreed on withdrawing heavy weapons from the disputed border regions, the establishment of a joint task force to tackle scam centers and the exchange of prisoners.
Impact: The peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia seems imminent at this point after months of uncertainty surrounding the conclusion of the five – day war that erupted between the countries back in Jul. The agreement would further bolster US soft power in southern Asia, considered to be China’s geopolitical backyard and develop opportunities for strategic cooperation with both countries such as defense and trade. Malaysia also benefits from the conclusion of the peace agreement as the crucial mediating force between the warring neighbors, which enhances it’s regional influence and power brokering capabilities in the region. China has been sidelined in the peace initiative, despite playing and integral part in the cessation of hostilities, however, the country would most probably be commended for its efforts during the ASEAN Summit as the key meeting point between Trump and Xi who are expected to discuss and potentially deliver resolutions to the US – China trade war, the war in Ukraine and other pressing global issues.