KUALA LUMPUR: United States President Donald Trump has described brokering peace between Thailand and Cambodia as “more fun than playing golf”, calling the successful Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord one of his administration’s proudest achievements.
Speaking at the signing ceremony witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Trump said the accord marked a historic end to months of deadly military clashes along the Thailand–Cambodia border. The conflict had earlier this year caused dozens of deaths and forced thousands of civilians to flee their homes.
Trump recalled that the breakthrough began while he was in Scotland. “I was actually at Turnberry when I did this. It was a beautiful day, but I said this is much more important than playing a round of golf,” he said. “You cost me very good entertainment, but this is much more fun for me because you are saving people and saving countries.”
The peace agreement was signed by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, both of whom expressed gratitude to Malaysia and the United States for facilitating the talks.
Trump said the accord was among eight conflicts his administration had resolved in just eight months. “We are averaging one a month. There has never been anything like that in history,” he said confidently. “Most presidents start wars, but they don’t solve them. Nothing like this has ever been done before.”
Meanwhile, Anwar praised the successful signing as a testament to regional unity and ASEAN’s commitment to peace and stability. “Malaysia is proud to have played a role in ending the conflict. This agreement proves that diplomacy and goodwill can prevail over violence,” he said.
The Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord officially brings to an end months of armed confrontation, opening the door for reconstruction efforts and humanitarian assistance along the affected border regions.
