The Thai government confirmed on Tuesday (November 11) that it will suspend the enhanced ceasefire agreement signed last month with Cambodia. The agreement, signed during a regional summit in Malaysia and witnessed by US President Donald Trump, was intended to solidify the ceasefire consensus reached between the two countries in July. However, recent renewed clashes at the border have further strained bilateral relations.
The escalation of the conflict was triggered by a landmine explosion in the border region on Monday (10th), which injured four Thai soldiers. Thai Defense Minister Natthaphon Narkphanit stated at a press conference that the plan to transfer 18 Cambodian prisoners of war would be shelved, saying the military was reassessing the situation. However, he did not directly address whether troops would be redeployed.
｜Extended reading｜Thailand and Cambodia implement ceasefire agreement, with both sides simultaneously withdrawing troops and clearing mines along the border.
｜Extended reading｜Reuters reveals suspected newly planted Soviet-made PMN-2 mines, the spark of the Thai-Cambodian conflict
The Thai military accused Cambodia of violating the ceasefire agreement, claiming that Cambodia had re-laid landmines in previously cleared areas, constituting a military provocation. Cambodia's Ministry of National Defense issued a statement on Tuesday denying the accusations, emphasizing that no new landmines had been laid and urging Thailand to avoid patrolling known old minefields. The statement noted that Cambodia remains committed to upholding the spirit of the ceasefire agreement and hopes both sides will resolve their differences with calm and restraint.
Under the ceasefire agreement brokered by Trump, both sides agreed to withdraw heavy weapons and border troops, and Thailand was required to release captured Cambodian soldiers. The clashes between Thailand and Cambodia in July of this year resulted in at least 48 deaths and forced the evacuation of approximately 300,000 civilians, making it the most serious border military conflict in recent years.
