BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand's Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, announced on Monday the potential suspension of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement with Cambodia, just hours after a land mine explosion in the contentious border area injured two Thai soldiers. This decision reflects ongoing tensions between the two nations, which have been exacerbated by territorial disputes leading to violent confrontations.
The ceasefire agreement, which was signed last month during a summit in Malaysia, aimed to mitigate conflicts that had escalated into a deadly five-day clash in late July, resulting in numerous casualties. Following this summit, both countries committed to resolutions regarding their long-standing territorial disputes; however, renewed tensions have emerged since the agreement was made.
Prime Minister Charnvirakul highlighted the seriousness of Monday's incident, indicating that it demonstrates a decline in the perceived effectiveness of the ceasefire. He emphasized that all actions under this agreement would be paused until Thailand's demands were addressed, although he did not provide specific details on those demands. The Cambodian government has yet to respond to these claims.
According to the agreement, Thailand was supposed to release 18 Cambodian soldiers it had detained, while both countries were to initiate the removal of heavy weaponry and land mines from their shared border. However, the situation remains uncertain following the latest explosion, which severely injured a sergeant who lost his right foot while patrolling the border in Sisaket province. Another soldier also received medical attention for chest tightness resulting from the explosion.
The Royal Thai Army is currently investigating whether the land mine that caused the explosion was an old remnant or a newly laid device. Defense Minister Natthaphon Narkphanit noted that the planned release of the Cambodian soldiers, originally scheduled for later this week, would now be postponed due to safety concerns. The ongoing investigation adds another layer of complexity to an already fragile situation.
While both sides reported some progress in the removal of arms from the border area, Thailand has accused Cambodia of interfering with mine clearance efforts. In response, Cambodia has reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire terms and has called for the release of its soldiers as soon as possible. The accusations of mine laying violate the ceasefire, a claim that Cambodia has strongly denied.
This ongoing conflict has drawn international attention, particularly due to U.S. involvement in brokering the ceasefire. The initial truce agreement received a boost from U.S. President Donald Trump, who cautioned that trade privileges could be withheld unless both nations reached a consensus. The agreement was ultimately signed during the October ASEAN summit, marking a significant development in regional diplomacy.
As the situation continues to unfold, both Thailand and Cambodia are faced with the challenge of navigating their historical disputes while adhering to international agreements aimed at ensuring peace and stability in the region. The recent land mine explosion highlights the precarious nature of this fragile truce and underscores the urgent need for both parties to address the underlying issues contributing to their tension.
