Peace Agreement Suspended Following Border Incident
A peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, which was brokered by US President Donald Trump in October, has been officially suspended following a landmine explosion that injured two Thai soldiers near the contested border area. The incident has reignited tensions between the Southeast Asian neighbours, who previously engaged in a five-day border conflict earlier this year.
Military Response and Accusations
Thailand's armed forces chief, General Ukris Boontanondha, announced the suspension of all agreements with Cambodia in social media posts circulated by the Thai military. The general stated that the Thai military is halting all agreements until Cambodia can demonstrate clear sincerity that they will not be hostile.
The explosion occurred early on Monday in Thailand's Sisaket province during a routine patrol. According to the Thai army, a PMN-2 landmine detonated, injuring two soldiers with one losing his right foot. The military statement revealed that three additional mines were discovered near the blast site, leading to accusations that Cambodia had recently planted the devices.
Based on the available evidence, it can be concluded that the landmine was snuck in by removing barbed wire and newly planted on Thai soil, the Thai army asserted in their official statement.
Cambodian Response and Regional Implications
Cambodia's foreign ministry expressed grave concern over Thailand's decision to suspend the agreement, which included significant confidence-building measures. The suspended deal involved the removal of heavy weapons from the border area and the release of 18 Cambodian prisoners of war held by Thailand if all terms were properly implemented.
The Cambodian government firmly denied allegations that they had laid fresh mines along the border. This denial echoes similar accusations during the July conflict, when landmine explosions along disputed areas served as catalysts for broader fighting.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Chanvirakul reinforced the military's position hours after the incident, telling reporters that everything has to stop until there is clarity regarding the agreement with Cambodia.
The recent violence recalls the five-day exchange of rockets and heavy artillery in July that resulted in significant casualties. That conflict killed at least 48 people and temporarily displaced approximately 300,000 individuals, representing the worst fighting between the two nations in recent history.
Expert analysis of material shared by Thailand's military earlier this year suggested that the mines that sparked the previous Thai-Cambodia clash were likely newly laid, adding credibility to Thailand's current concerns about fresh mine placement.
