Thai Opposition Urges Premier Anutin to Lead Strong Global Diplomacy After Border Mine Blast
The People’s Party calls on the government to rally international support amid escalating tensions with Cambodia following a land-mine incident
The opposition People’s Party has issued a statement urging Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s administration to adopt proactive diplomacy and secure global backing to protect Thailand’s strategic interests with its neighbour, Cambodia.
On November 10, 2025, Thai soldiers patroling near Huai Ta Maria in Kantharalak district, Si Sa Ket province, were injured by a land-mine explosion, one of whom lost his right ankle.
In response, the Thai government said it would suspend the peace agreement signed on October 26, 2025, by Thailand and Cambodia — witnessed by both Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim — citing a serious security breach.
The People’s Party welcomed the decision but emphasised that Thailand must now mobilise diplomatic channels to secure support from ASEAN and other allies, rather than rely solely on military response.
The party’s statement highlights concern that Thailand’s border-security standing and regional influence could be weakened if the dispute drags on.
They called on the government to “immediately engage at the international level to demonstrate Thailand’s case and to ensure long-term stability for our border provinces”, referencing unresolved mine-clearance obligations under the agreement.
Thai Defence Minister Natthaphon Narkphanit confirmed the suspension of terms in the accord, including halting the scheduled handover of Cambodian prisoners.
Cambodian officials reiterated that they did not lay fresh mines and pointed instead to legacy ordnance, increasing the challenge of de-escalating the dispute.
With diplomatic pressure mounting, observers note that Thailand’s strategic posture across ASEAN and beyond is now under scrutiny, and that effective global engagement may prove decisive in safeguarding national interests and border security.
On November 10, 2025, Thai soldiers patroling near Huai Ta Maria in Kantharalak district, Si Sa Ket province, were injured by a land-mine explosion, one of whom lost his right ankle.
In response, the Thai government said it would suspend the peace agreement signed on October 26, 2025, by Thailand and Cambodia — witnessed by both Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim — citing a serious security breach.
The People’s Party welcomed the decision but emphasised that Thailand must now mobilise diplomatic channels to secure support from ASEAN and other allies, rather than rely solely on military response.
The party’s statement highlights concern that Thailand’s border-security standing and regional influence could be weakened if the dispute drags on.
They called on the government to “immediately engage at the international level to demonstrate Thailand’s case and to ensure long-term stability for our border provinces”, referencing unresolved mine-clearance obligations under the agreement.
Thai Defence Minister Natthaphon Narkphanit confirmed the suspension of terms in the accord, including halting the scheduled handover of Cambodian prisoners.
Cambodian officials reiterated that they did not lay fresh mines and pointed instead to legacy ordnance, increasing the challenge of de-escalating the dispute.
With diplomatic pressure mounting, observers note that Thailand’s strategic posture across ASEAN and beyond is now under scrutiny, and that effective global engagement may prove decisive in safeguarding national interests and border security.
