Thai-Cambodian declaration a net positive for all parties, says analyst

Mr Anutin, dressed in a sombre black suit and tie, concurred that both sides had agreed to promptly remove heavy weapons from the border area to build confidence and trust, and that Thailand would also begin the process of releasing 18 detained Cambodian soldiers. He said the day marked a new chapter in bilateral relations and a "concrete step towards peace".

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"We have come a long way since agreeing to the ceasefire here in Malaysia on July 28, the discussions since then have led to this important outcome," Mr Anutin said. "I believe we can achieve what seemed beyond reach a few months ago."

The goodwill on both sides is predicated on commitments made during bilateral negotiations earlier in October to withdraw heavy weaponry from the border, as well as agreements on de-mining operations, efforts to deal with scam syndicates, and conduct a joint survey of the border.

Speaking at a press conference after the ceremony, Mr Sihasak, the Thai Foreign Minister, said the fact that the two neighbours' commitment to peace was made publicly - and with the US and Malaysia as witnesses - meant it would translate to a tangible difference to the reality on the ground.

"At the level of leadership, we have made it known we are looking to make our ties even better," he said. "This was in front of two friends and the press. I am confident both sides are under obligation to implement what we have agreed."

While the extent to which Mr Trump can claim credit for what he said are the eight (and counting) wars he has helped to end varies wildly, the Thailand-Cambodia conflict, which ignited amid simmering tensions over longstanding border disputes and led to at least 43 deaths, has always been one of his stronger cases.