Thailand has indefinitely suspended implementation of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire after a land mine injured four soldiers along the Thai-Cambodian border, one of whom lost a foot. Bangkok accuses Cambodia of planting new mines and has postponed the return of 18 Cambodian detainees from July’s fighting; Cambodia says the blast came from leftover mines. Both sides had agreed to remove heavy weapons and mines under the truce, but analysts say the agreement was fragile and nationalist politics in Thailand complicate reconciliation.
Thailand Pauses U.S.-Brokered Ceasefire, Demands Cambodian Apology After Border Landmine Injures Four Soldiers
Thailand has indefinitely suspended implementation of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire after a land mine injured four soldiers along the Thai-Cambodian border, one of whom lost a foot. Bangkok accuses Cambodia of planting new mines and has postponed the return of 18 Cambodian detainees from July’s fighting; Cambodia says the blast came from leftover mines. Both sides had agreed to remove heavy weapons and mines under the truce, but analysts say the agreement was fragile and nationalist politics in Thailand complicate reconciliation.
09:45 PM, 11/11/2025Conflict
Thailand halts ceasefire implementation, cites border mine blast
Thailand announced it has indefinitely suspended implementation of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire until Cambodia issues an apology for a land mine explosion on Monday that wounded four Thai soldiers along the shared border.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the injured troops on Tuesday. The Thai army accused Cambodian forces of laying new mines in violation of the truce the two countries signed last month. One soldier lost his right foot after stepping on a mine while patrolling in Sisaket province; three others sustained minor injuries. Cambodia has denied responsibility.
"This incident shows Cambodia’s utter lack of sincerity," said Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura, who demanded an apology, a full investigation and steps to prevent further explosions.
Cambodia’s Defense Ministry spokesperson, Maly Socheata, responded that the blast was caused by "the remnants of past conflicts" and urged Thai troops to avoid known, older minefields. She said Cambodia remains committed to working with Thailand to maintain peace and protect civilians.
Under the truce, Thailand agreed to release 18 detained Cambodian soldiers and both sides pledged to begin removing heavy weapons and land mines from the border zone. Officials say some progress has been made on arms withdrawal.
Malaysia initially mediated the ceasefire. According to diplomatic reporting, then-U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to withhold trade privileges from both countries, and the agreement was signed during an Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in October.
Analysts warned the pact was fragile. Matthew Wheeler, Southeast Asia senior analyst at the Brussels-based International Crisis Group, said the deal was "predictable" to break down because it appeared aimed at placating external pressures rather than resolving core issues. He also noted that strong nationalist sentiment in Thailand complicates conciliatory approaches.
Outlook
Thai officials say they will not resume implementing the ceasefire until Cambodia meets their conditions. Observers warn the situation could remain tense unless both sides engage in transparent investigations and renewed, verifiable demining and arms-removal efforts.