Thailand Stops Ceasefire Steps with Cambodia After New Tensions

Post by : Sameer Saifi

Thailand has announced that it will stop the implementation of a recently improved ceasefire agreement with Cambodia. This decision comes only weeks after the two countries had agreed to reduce fighting and move troops away from their shared border. The agreement was signed in the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump, and it was seen as an important step toward peace in the region.

However, new problems have now emerged. On Monday, four Thai soldiers were injured by a landmine near the border. Thailand’s military said that Cambodia had placed new landmines in the area even after the ceasefire agreement. Cambodia strongly denied this claim and said that the landmines were from old minefields that have existed for many years.

Thailand’s Defence Minister Natthaphon Narkphanit stated that because of these rising tensions, Thailand will pause all steps related to the ceasefire, including the release of 18 Cambodian prisoners of war currently held in Thailand. He did not say whether Thai troops would be sent back to the border in larger numbers.

Cambodia’s Defence Ministry responded by asking Thailand to avoid patrolling dangerous mine areas. It also said that it still supports the ceasefire agreement and wants to continue cooperation. But trust between the two sides is weakening.

The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has a long history. Earlier this year, the two countries fought for five days near their border. The fighting included rockets and heavy artillery. At least 48 people were killed, and around 300,000 people had to leave their homes temporarily. Many families in the border areas still live in fear of renewed violence.

The enhanced ceasefire deal, signed in Malaysia last month, was meant to prevent such violence from happening again. It included promises to withdraw troops, remove heavy weapons, and return prisoners. The United States had played a role in encouraging peace talks, with President Trump warning both nations that they could lose trade benefits if they continued fighting.

Now, Thailand says it will inform the United States and Malaysia, the current ASEAN chair, about why it is stopping the ceasefire steps. Malaysia has been helping both countries communicate and work toward peace as part of the ASEAN regional group.

The situation remains tense and uncertain. Many people living near the border hope both governments will avoid further conflict. They want peace, safety, and stability. But for now, the future of the ceasefire is unclear, and both sides must rebuild trust if peace is to hold.

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