Thailand Cambodia Begin Three-Phase Border Weapons Withdrawal After Peace Deal

Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to a phased withdrawal of heavy weapons from their shared border to de-escalate tensions following deadly clashes in July, with the process set to begin November 1 and conclude by the end of January 2026. This agreement was formalized during meetings involving the Regional Border Committee and witnessed by the prime ministers of both countries alongside US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The withdrawal will occur in three phases, starting with rocket launchers, followed by artillery, and concluding with armored vehicles and tanks. Despite the disarmament progress, Cambodia continues to urge Thailand to release 18 Cambodian soldiers still held as prisoners of war, with Thailand linking their release to Cambodia fulfilling conditions such as the removal of heavy weapons and cooperation on mine clearance and border management. Thai military officials emphasized that the release of prisoners would follow international law principles and depend on tangible reductions in hostility, reflecting ongoing efforts to restore peace and trust. The coordinated plan marks a significant step toward stabilizing the historically volatile border region between the two Southeast Asian neighbors.