Southeast Asian Leaders Praise and Rib Trump at Thailand-Cambodia Peace Agreement Signing

Southeast Asian leaders used the signing of a peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia today to publicly acknowledge and playfully tease former U.S. President Donald Trump’s role in brokering a ceasefire between the two nations.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim referenced shared experiences with Trump, stating, “I was in prison, but you almost got there,” alluding to his own past imprisonment on charges he maintains were politically motivated, and Trump’s recent felony conviction. Ibrahim also noted Trump’s willingness to deviate from security protocols, adding, “It was a nice ride,” after Trump offered him transportation in his limousine. The agreement aims to resolve a five-day conflict that raised regional stability concerns.

Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet reiterated his nomination of Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his involvement in resolving the July conflict. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed gratitude for Trump’s “personal dedication” to peace. Trump himself recounted negotiating the ceasefire while at his golf resort in Scotland, stating, “I said, this is much more important than playing a round of golf, so we sat there all day long, making phone calls.” He added, “You cost me very good entertainment… but this is much more fun for me… because you’re saving people.”

The initial ceasefire, brokered in Malaysia on July 28, followed calls from Trump to leaders on both sides, where he warned of potential trade repercussions if the conflict continued – a threat that carried weight given existing tariffs imposed during his presidency. Southeast Asia has become an increasingly important geopolitical arena, and this intervention highlights the continued influence of former U.S. leaders in the region.

Officials stated further discussions are planned to solidify the agreement and establish long-term cooperative measures between Thailand and Cambodia.