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Sunday 22/02/2026

Thailand Suspends Peace Agreement with Cambodia After Border Incident

Thai and Cambodian soldiers at a disputed border area

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Thailand has suspended a peace agreement with Cambodia following a landmine explosion that injured Thai soldiers near the border.
  • The peace deal, brokered by former US President Donald Trump, aimed to resolve tensions after deadly clashes in July.
  • Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul cited ongoing security threats as a reason for halting the agreement.
  • Cambodia expressed concern over the suspension, emphasizing its commitment to the peace process.
  • The border dispute has historical roots, with recent clashes displacing around 300,000 people.

Thailand has announced the suspension of a peace agreement with neighboring Cambodia following a landmine explosion that injured four Thai soldiers near the disputed border. The incident has reignited tensions between the two Southeast Asian nations, just weeks after a peace deal was brokered by former US President Donald Trump.

The explosion occurred in Thailand's Sisaket province, where one soldier lost his foot. Thai authorities have accused Cambodia of laying the mines, a claim that Phnom Penh has denied. In response to the incident, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that all agreements would be halted until Cambodia demonstrates a commitment to peace. "The security threat has not actually decreased," Anutin remarked during a press conference.

The peace agreement, signed in October during a ceremony in Malaysia, was intended to de-escalate tensions following a five-day conflict in July that resulted in over 40 deaths and the displacement of approximately 300,000 people. The deal included provisions for the removal of heavy weapons from the border and the release of 18 Cambodian prisoners of war held by Thailand.

Cambodia's foreign ministry expressed grave concern over Thailand's decision to suspend the agreement, reiterating its dedication to the peace process. The ministry emphasized that the landmine accusations were unfounded and called for continued dialogue to resolve the border dispute.

The border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has deep historical roots, dating back to the colonial era when the border was first drawn. Despite the recent peace efforts, both sides have struggled to maintain stability, with accusations and counter-accusations fueling the ongoing tensions.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The suspension of the peace agreement could lead to further instability in the region if not addressed promptly. Experts suggest that diplomatic engagement and third-party mediation may be necessary to prevent a resurgence of violence. The involvement of international bodies, such as the United Nations, could provide a neutral platform for negotiations. Additionally, the release of Cambodian prisoners of war remains a critical issue that could either ease tensions or exacerbate the conflict, depending on how it is handled. As both nations navigate this delicate situation, the international community will be closely monitoring developments to ensure that peace efforts are not derailed.