On Monday, Thailand announced the suspension of a peace agreement with Cambodia that was facilitated by US President Donald Trump, as reported by AFP.
This decision came in the wake of a landmine explosion that resulted in injuries to two Thai soldiers in the disputed border region between the two nations.
In July, a conflict between Thailand and Cambodia led to the deaths of at least 43 individuals and displaced over 300,000 people from both sides. The hostilities arose after months of escalating tensions and included airstrikes, rocket fire, artillery bombardments, and ground combat.
Last month, President Trump convened the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia, overseeing the signing of a peace agreement in Malaysia, which he praised as a significant diplomatic success. However, this agreement—now suspended—seems to be deteriorating.
Thailand has stated that the ‘threat has not diminished’ despite the existence of the peace agreement. In a statement, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul remarked, “We believed that the security threat had lessened, but it has not truly decreased,” according to AFP.
In a separate report, the Royal Thai Army indicated that the mine explosion in Sisaket province resulted in one soldier suffering a serious leg injury and another soldier being wounded.
The Thai government further announced that it would halt “the follow-up to the joint declaration.” According to the terms of the agreement, the next phase—which is now suspended—was supposed to involve the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers who are currently detained in Thailand.
In response, Cambodia did not comment on the explosion but affirmed on Monday its “unwavering commitment” to maintaining peace.
For many years, the relationship between Thailand and Cambodia has been strained due to a disputed border. The two nations are embroiled in a long-standing conflict over the trijunction of Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos known as the ‘Emerald Triangle,’ which contains several culturally significant sites that both countries claim, including the Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple. Prior to the escalation of the broader conflict in May, clashes had already occurred near this temple.
