Thailand Suspends US-Brokered Ceasefire with Cambodia After Border Mine Blast
Bangkok halts truce over landmine explosion that injured Thai troops, while Phnom Penh denies fresh planting of mines
Thailand announced on 10 November 2025 that it had indefinitely suspended implementation of the ceasefire agreement with Cambodia, following a landmine explosion in Sisaket province that severely injured Thai soldiers and triggered the breakdown of diplomatic trust.
The explosion injured four Thai soldiers — one lost a foot — during a patrol in the contested border area.
The Thai defence ministry presented what it described as evidence that the landmines were newly planted rather than remnants of past conflicts, and demanded Cambodia issue an apology.
Cambodia denied the claim, maintained that the dangers stemmed from old ordnance, and rejected the notion of fresh mine-laying.
Two days later, at least one Cambodian civilian was reportedly killed and others injured in gunfire exchanged near the border town of Prey Chan in Banteay Meanchey province, according to Phnom Penh.
Thailand accused Cambodian troops of opening fire into Thai territory, further raising tensions.
The ceasefire in question was signed on 26 October 2025 in Kuala Lumpur by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, with U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in attendance.
Under the accord the two nations committed to weapons withdrawal, de-mining, return of prisoners and border-zone management.
Analysts say the suspension of the deal presents a deep challenge for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) ahead of the Philippines’ chairmanship in 2026. The Thai government insists this is a suspension, not cancellation, emphasising its commitment to de-mining, heavy-weapon withdrawal and continued border management—is just paused until Cambodia addresses its concerns.
Meanwhile, Washington has voiced significant concern and warned that the border crisis could hamper broader U.S.–Thailand-Cambodia trade discussions.
Bangkok initially announced on 14 November that the United States had suspended tariff negotiations because of the situation, but a day later said talks would resume after a phone conversation between Anutin and Trump.
The dispute remains unresolved, with nationalist sentiment strong on both sides and no clear path to renewal of full commitments yet in sight.
The explosion injured four Thai soldiers — one lost a foot — during a patrol in the contested border area.
The Thai defence ministry presented what it described as evidence that the landmines were newly planted rather than remnants of past conflicts, and demanded Cambodia issue an apology.
Cambodia denied the claim, maintained that the dangers stemmed from old ordnance, and rejected the notion of fresh mine-laying.
Two days later, at least one Cambodian civilian was reportedly killed and others injured in gunfire exchanged near the border town of Prey Chan in Banteay Meanchey province, according to Phnom Penh.
Thailand accused Cambodian troops of opening fire into Thai territory, further raising tensions.
The ceasefire in question was signed on 26 October 2025 in Kuala Lumpur by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, with U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in attendance.
Under the accord the two nations committed to weapons withdrawal, de-mining, return of prisoners and border-zone management.
Analysts say the suspension of the deal presents a deep challenge for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) ahead of the Philippines’ chairmanship in 2026. The Thai government insists this is a suspension, not cancellation, emphasising its commitment to de-mining, heavy-weapon withdrawal and continued border management—is just paused until Cambodia addresses its concerns.
Meanwhile, Washington has voiced significant concern and warned that the border crisis could hamper broader U.S.–Thailand-Cambodia trade discussions.
Bangkok initially announced on 14 November that the United States had suspended tariff negotiations because of the situation, but a day later said talks would resume after a phone conversation between Anutin and Trump.
The dispute remains unresolved, with nationalist sentiment strong on both sides and no clear path to renewal of full commitments yet in sight.
