Kuwait city: Thailand has suspended the implementation of a United States-brokered peace agreement with neighboring Cambodia after a landmine blast near their border injured two of its soldiers. Royal Thai Army (RTA) chief Pana Klaewblaudtuk stated that "The truth has become clear that hostilities still remain," prompting the RTA to halt all commitments under the Thai-Cambodian joint declaration on rebuilding peace signed last month.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the Defense Minister of Thailand, Gen. Nattaphon Narkphanit, announced that Bangkok would also put on hold the repatriation of 18 Cambodian prisoners of war currently held by Thai forces. However, he declined to specify whether troops would be redeployed along the border areas. Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow mentioned that Thailand would communicate its decision to the US and Malaysia, the current ASEAN chair and ceasefire mediator.
Cambodia's Defense Ministry has denied any involvement in laying new mines and urged Thailand to avoid patrolling areas known to contain old minefields. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to work with Bangkok under the October agreement. The reinforced ceasefire pact was signed during the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia to build on the truce brokered by President Trump in July, where both countries were warned to end hostilities or face suspension of trade talks with Washington.
Both nations have exchanged accusations over renewed artillery exchanges, resulting in at least 48 fatalities and the displacement of around 300,000 civilians. Tensions increased after a landmine blast injured four Thai soldiers late Monday. The Thai army has accused Cambodia of planting new explosives, despite the ceasefire terms that included troop withdrawals, the removal of heavy weapons, and the release of Cambodian prisoners.