By The White House
Thailand has announced it is suspending the implementation of its recently signed “peace deal” with neighbouring Cambodia following a landmine explosion that injured several Thai soldiers near the border — just two weeks after former US President Donald Trump presided over the agreement’s signing ceremony.
Border Blast Sparks Renewed Tensions
According to a government spokesman, the blast occurred in Thailand’s Sisaket province, close to the Cambodian frontier, and left several soldiers wounded — one of whom reportedly lost his foot. The Bangkok Post reported that the incident happened while the troops were on patrol in the disputed area.
Thailand Cites Ongoing Security Threat
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced the suspension at a news conference on Monday, saying he supported the decision made by the country’s defence chiefs. He stated that “the security threat has not actually decreased,” signalling Bangkok’s concern that the border remains unstable despite the recent agreement. Anutin also said he planned to visit the injured soldiers on Tuesday to express support and oversee the situation.
Cambodia Maintains Commitment to Peace Deal
Cambodia, meanwhile, has declared that it remains committed to the peace agreement, which was intended to bring a lasting end to years of conflict along the two countries’ shared border. The deal followed deadly clashes in July that left more than 40 people dead and forced an estimated 300,000 civilians to flee their homes.
Disputed Border Rooted in Colonial-Era Boundaries
The territorial dispute between Thailand and Cambodia dates back more than a century to when colonial powers drew the border during the French occupation of Cambodia. Over the decades, tensions have repeatedly flared into violence, with both nations laying claim to parts of the area surrounding ancient temple sites.
The Malaysia-Signed Accord
In October, both governments signed the agreement — officially titled the “Joint Declaration by the Prime Ministers of Thailand and Cambodia on the Outcomes of Their Meeting in Kuala Lumpur” — during a ceremony in Malaysia attended by Donald Trump. While Thailand refrained from calling it a “peace deal,” the accord outlined several steps designed to ease tensions, including the withdrawal of heavy weapons from the disputed zone and the establishment of an interim observer team to monitor compliance.
Next Steps in Jeopardy
The next phase of the deal was to include the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers currently detained in Thailand. However, with Bangkok’s latest decision to suspend implementation, the future of the agreement — and the fragile peace along the border — now appears uncertain.
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