Thailand Suspends Peace Agreement with Cambodia Following Landmine Blast
Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered the suspension of a recently signed peace deal with Cambodia. The move comes in the aftermath of a landmine explosion that injured two Thai soldiers near the two countries' shared border. This decision endangers a peace agreement brokered by US President Donald Trump just over two weeks ago and poses the risk of resuming the long-standing dispute between the two Southeast Asian nations.
Background and Context
The peace deal between Thailand and Cambodia was signed in Malaysia last month, in the wake of a five-day-long military flare-up due to a colonial-era border dispute. President Trump, who was present for the signing, claimed credit for the initiative. However, with the latest landmine incident, the peace accord teeters on the edge of collapse.
The explosion occurred during a routine patrol by Thai soldiers in Si Sa Ket province, where the Thai army suspects that new mines were laid. This was the seventh such blast in four months, following a series of explosions in July that triggered the deadliest border clashes in recent years.
Key Developments
Prime Minister Charnvirakul has expressed support for the Thai military and announced the suspension of the peace deal's implementation. Following the blast, the release of 18 soldiers from Phnom Penh was also halted. The Cambodian Ministry of Defense, on the other hand, has vowed an 'unwavering commitment' to peace, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its willingness to 'respect the joint declaration'.
Reactions and Implications
The Thai armed forces chief confirmed the suspension of the peace agreement, accusing Cambodia's military of laying fresh landmines in the contested border territory. Meanwhile, the Royal Thai Army reported that a sergeant had lost his right foot in the recent blast.
While Thailand's move to suspend the peace agreement has been seen as a sign of 'hostility', it has also raised concerns about the long-term implications of this decision. There are fears that it might reignite the border dispute, which has remained unresolved despite the peace accord.
Conclusion
Currently, the peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia remains in suspension. With the Thai government demanding that Cambodia meets unspecified demands, the situation continues to be tense. In this context, the fate of the US-brokered peace deal hangs in the balance. The international community is keenly watching the developments in this region, given the potential for conflict to escalate once again.