Thailand announced on Monday, November 10, that it was suspending the ceasefire agreement with Cambodia, co-signed in late October by Donald Trump, after a landmine explosion near the border injured two of its soldiers. Cambodia through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated this “very concerned” with this suspension and denied having planted new landmines along the border.
The agreement aims to end hostilities between the two countries, who clashed on the border for five days in July. The fighting, led by ground troops, artillery and the air force, left at least 43 people dead and led to the evacuation of more than 300,000 civilians.
A mine explosion in Sisaket province, in the east of the country, caused serious injuries to 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 it hasn’t”said Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul at a press conference.
Thai government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat said on Monday that Bangkok would stop “follow-up to the joint statement”. Reference to the text of the agreement signed in Malaysia at the end of October by the Prime Ministers of Cambodia, Hun Manet, and Thailand, Anutin Charnvirakul, accompanied by the American President and the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim. In particular, this agreement provides for the release of 18 Cambodian prisoners held in Thailand for several months. Both sides also agreed to withdraw heavy weapons and clear mines from the border area. Thailand and Cambodia initially agreed to a ceasefire in late July.
Stalled border dispute
Meanwhile, Cambodia’s Ministry of Defense promised in a press release on Monday a “unwavering commitment” for peace, and foreign affairs reaffirmed his wishes “respect the joint declaration”.
The two Southeast Asian neighbors have long been at odds over parts of their 800-kilometer border. Fighting in July was sparked by Thailand’s claim that Cambodia had planted mines that injured its soldiers.
Since a ceasefire in late July, both countries have accused each other of ceasefire violations, and analysts say a comprehensive peace pact to resolve the territorial dispute at the heart of the conflict remains elusive.
This summer, the two kingdoms experienced the bloodiest episode of their relationship from 2008 to 2011, leading to the deaths of 28 people.
