In a dramatic escalation of long-simmering border tensions, Thailand announced today the immediate suspension of a fragile peace agreement with neighboring Cambodia, just two weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump personally presided over its signing. The decision follows a landmine explosion that injured two Thai soldiers during a routine patrol near the disputed border, prompting accusations of truce violations and raising fears of renewed hostilities in Southeast Asia.
The blast occurred at approximately 9:30 a.m. local time in Thailand’s Sisaket province, a hotspot in the century-old territorial dispute rooted in French colonial-era demarcations. According to the Royal Thai Army, one soldier—a sergeant—suffered severe injuries, including the amputation of his right foot after stepping on a PMN-2 anti-personnel mine. A second soldier was hospitalized with chest pain from the blast’s shockwave. Three additional mines were reportedly discovered nearby, though investigators are still determining if they were remnants from prior conflicts or newly planted.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, addressing a press conference in Bangkok, endorsed the military’s call to halt implementation of the accord, stating, “The security threat has not decreased, and hostility persists.” He added that “everything must be stopped” until Cambodia addresses unspecified demands, including enhanced demining efforts. Anutin is scheduled to visit the injured soldiers at a Sisaket hospital tomorrow.
Cambodia’s Foreign Ministry expressed “grave concern” over the suspension, reaffirming its “unwavering commitment” to the truce’s terms, which include mutual disarmament and the removal of heavy weapons from the border zone. Phnom Penh denied laying new mines—echoing Thai accusations from earlier incidents—and urged Bangkok to proceed with the planned release of 18 Cambodian soldiers detained since July’s clashes.
