Peace lasted only a few days. Thailand announced on Monday that it was suspending a peace agreement with Cambodia, co-signed in late October by Donald Trump, after a mine explosion near the border injured two of its soldiers, a government spokesman said.
The agreement aims to end hostilities between the two countries, who clashed on their borders for five days in July in fighting led by ground troops, artillery and air forces. They left at least 43 people dead and led to the evacuation of more than 300,000 civilians.
“The follow-up to the joint statement that we have been implementing for approximately one week will end,” said Thai government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat. This also concerns the plan to release 18 Cambodian soldiers.
The threat “has not diminished”
A mine explosion in Sissaket province seriously injured the leg of a Thai soldier and another suffered chest pain, the Thai army said in a statement.
“We thought the security threat had reduced, but in reality the threat has not decreased,” Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said at a news conference.
Cambodia’s Defense Ministry pledged in a statement on Monday its “steadfast commitment” to peace. However, Phnom Penh authorities did not immediately comment on the mine explosion.
