Thailand has announced an indefinite suspension of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Cambodia, demanding an apology for a land mine explosion that injured four Thai soldiers on Monday. The incident occurred along the contentious border in Sisaket province, where one soldier lost his right foot and three others sustained minor injuries. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the injured troops on Tuesday, while the Thai army accused Cambodia of violating the truce by allegedly laying new mines. Cambodia has denied responsibility, attributing the explosion to remnants of past conflicts and urging Thai troops to avoid patrolling in known minefield areas. The ceasefire, mediated by Malaysia and signed during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in October, aimed to de-escalate tensions following five days of deadly combat in July. However, territorial disputes and nationalist sentiments have hindered progress. Thailand has also postponed the return of 18 Cambodian soldiers detained since the July conflict. Analysts, including Matthew Wheeler of the International Crisis Group, argue that the ceasefire was primarily a diplomatic gesture to appease U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened to withhold trade privileges from both nations. Wheeler noted that the agreement’s breakdown was predictable, given its superficial focus on trade and Trump’s desire to be seen as a peacemaker. Despite the setback, Cambodia has reaffirmed its commitment to peace and stability, emphasizing the need to ensure civilian safety.
Thailand demands apology from Cambodia for land mine explosion that injured soldiers
