Thailand Threatens to Suspend Truce with Cambodia After Land Mine Incident

Thailand has threatened to suspend a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement with Cambodia following a land mine explosion that injured two Thai soldiers. According to the Associated Press, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that all actions under the truce deal will be halted until Thailand's demands are met.

This incident occurred in the Sisaket province, where a sergeant lost his right foot after stepping on the mine while on patrol. Another soldier suffered chest tightness from the blast. The report indicates that both soldiers are currently receiving medical treatment.

The ceasefire agreement was signed last month at a summit in Malaysia after territorial disputes between Thailand and Cambodia led to a five-day combat period in July, resulting in numerous fatalities.

Tensions have persisted with previous land mine explosions, including one that injured three Thai soldiers in August. The Thai Defense Minister Natthaphon Narkphanit mentioned that the army is investigating whether the mine was old or newly laid.

He also confirmed that the planned release of 18 Cambodian soldiers held by Thailand would be postponed. Under the ceasefire terms, both nations were to start removing heavy weapons and land mines from the border area.

Thailand has accused Cambodia of obstructing the demining process, while Cambodia insists it is committed to the agreement and urges Thailand to release its soldiers promptly. The Cambodian government has denied allegations of laying new mines.

The ceasefire was originally mediated by Malaysia, with U.S. President Donald Trump later threatening to withdraw trade privileges unless both countries finalized the truce, which occurred during an ASEAN summit in October.

This latest incident raises concerns about the stability of the region and the potential for renewed conflict between the two Southeast Asian nations.