Cambodia announced on Saturday that heavy weapons are being withdrawn from its shared border with Thailand as part of the implementation of a peace agreement signed in Kuala Lumpur last month.

In a statement, Cambodia’s Defense Ministry said both sides have “continued implementing the 2nd stage of Phase 1 of the removal of heavy and destructive weapons and equipment” from the border regions. The ministry emphasized that the move demonstrates the “commitment of both Cambodia and Thailand to respecting and implementing the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration between Cambodia and Thailand signed on October 26.”

Phnom Penh expressed hopes that both sides would “continue to fully and effectively implement the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration with sincerity, goodwill, and transparency,” and called for the “swift restoration of normalcy” in bilateral relations.

Thailand’s Foreign Ministry also confirmed on Friday that the two countries agreed to begin constructing an eight-kilometer security fence along part of the border, aimed at preventing future hostilities and improving coordination between border patrol units.

According to reports, Phase 1 of the weapons withdrawal began on November 1 and will continue until November 21, focusing on the removal of long-range rocket systems. Phase 2, set to run from November 22 to December 12, will target artillery systems, while Phase 3, from December 13 to the end of the year, will include tanks and armored vehicles.

The demilitarization process will be monitored by the newly formed ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), which will verify the withdrawal of troops and weapons from sensitive areas. Thai troops, however, are expected to remain stationed at strategic positions until the process is fully verified.

The peace agreement signed on October 26 in Kuala Lumpur was witnessed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. It followed a July 28 ceasefire brokered by Malaysia after weeks of hostilities that left dozens dead and thousands displaced along the contested border.

The clashes marked the worst fighting between the two Southeast Asian neighbors in decades, fueled by disputes over poorly demarcated territories and ancient temple sites near the frontier.

Under the Kuala Lumpur pact, both sides pledged to cease hostilities unconditionally, withdraw heavy weapons, begin de-mining operations, and establish a “zone of peace, friendship, and cooperation” along the border.

Cambodian officials reaffirmed this week that the country remains committed to transforming the border into a permanent peace corridor. Thailand, meanwhile, reiterated its readiness to cooperate but stated it would not release 18 Cambodian soldiers captured during the July clashes until Phnom Penh fully meets the implementation terms of the agreement.

Observers say the drawdown marks an important step toward lasting peace, but stress that trust-building and consistent verification remain essential. Successful demilitarization and the resumption of cross-border trade and local livelihoods are seen as key indicators of whether the fragile truce can hold. (ILKHA)