Cambodia initiated the initial phase of withdrawing weapons and heavy artillery from the border area with Thailand in Preah Vihear province at around 9:00 p.m. on October 26 (local time), under the supervision of the ASEAN Observer Group (AOT) led by Malaysia.
videos posted by the Cambodian Ministry of Information show tanks being transported by trailer moving on the dirt road, while soldiers and AOT defense attachants recorded and monitored the area with large-capacity flashlights.
Cambodia's Defense Ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata said the country is showing "dis cision and strong commitment" to implementing the terms of the deal.
Cambodia will cooperate closely with Thailand for the long-term interests of the two countries and the two peoples, Socheata added.
The move comes just 12 hours after the peace deal was signed.
On October 26, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and his Thai counterpart Anutin Charnvirakul signed an 8-point agreement, also known as the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement, at the 47th ASEAN Summit, witnessed by US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
The peace statement comes after months of negotiations since the ceasefire reached after a five-day clash on July 24, which killed dozens, displaced hundreds of thousands and damaged property.
However, the previous ceasefire was still fragile as the Thai army continued to erect barbed wire fences and loudspeakers at night to force residents in two villages in Banteay Meanchey province to leave.
The latest deal also reiterates similar terms in two previous ceasefire agreements mediated by Anwar and Trump, calling for an end to the threat, withdrawal of troops to their original positions and a peaceful settlement of the dispute.
According to the new agreement, the two sides are committed to reducing the escalation of tensions and restoring peace and stability in the border area through 5 steps, including withdrawing and returning weapons to the base.
Anutin also agreed to begin the process of returning the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers detained for more than 2 months.
Previously, Mr. Trump praised Cambodia and Thailand for reaching an agreement to end the conflict and build a harmonious neighborly relationship.
18 Cambodian prisoners will be released, and under this agreement, ASEAN observers, including Malaysia, will be deployed to ensure true peace is maintained, President Trump said.
