In late October 2025, Thailand and Cambodia signed a joint declaration aimed at halting a bout of border fighting and opening a new phase of cooperation.
The accord, which included both countries withdrawing heavy weapons from their frontier and initiating landmine clearance among other measures, was brokered with the involvement of Donald Trump and held significant international attention.
The agreement appeared to mark a hopeful moment in a long-standing territorial dispute between the two neighbors. But sadly, Thailand has officially suspended the peace agreement, making it potential for the conflict to continue.
What Triggered the Suspension?
According to Nation Thailand, on 10 November 2025, Thai forces patrolling near the border province of Sisaket (also spelled Si Sa Ket) struck a landmine, resulting in serious injuries to several soldiers, one of whom lost an ankle.
Thailand’s military publicly attributed the explosion to newly planted mines in Thai territory, claiming that barbed-wire had been disturbed and mines laid in a way that targeted Thai patrols.
The Thai government interpreted the incident as evidence that Cambodia remained hostile, despite the ceasefire and peace agreement.
Thailand’s Decision to Suspend the Agreement
In response to the incident, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced that all actions under the agreement—including mine-clearance operations, heavy-weapon withdrawal, and the planned release of Cambodian prisoners of war—would be suspended.
It will be done until Cambodia demonstrated clarity and sincerity about its commitments in respecting the peace agreement.
The Thai armed forces, including the army and air force, officially stated that they were halting implementation of all bilateral agreements under the joint declaration, citing ongoing hostility and prioritizing national defense.
Of particular note, the scheduled release of 18 Cambodian detainees which was part of the agreement was also postponed.
Cambodia’s Response
Meanwhile, the Cambodian government denied any deliberate placement of new landmines. Phnom Penh argued that many of the landmines along the frontier were remnants of past conflicts, not new violations of the deal.
As reported by Al Jazeera, Cambodia expressed “grave concern” about Thailand’s decision to suspend the peace deal and reiterated its commitment to the joint declaration signed in Malaysia.
Analysts warn that the move marks a major setback for a peace process seen as fragile to begin with.
What’s Next?
sides still accuse each other of violations. The landmine incident did not occur in isolation but follows a pattern of blasts and patrol incidents that have challenged the cease-fire’s durability.
For Thailand, the incident symbolized a failure of the deal to reduce actual hostilities on the ground; for Cambodia, it highlighted the risks of being held responsible for contested and uncleared border minefields.
The move raises questions about how the two countries will re-engage: whether through renewed diplomacy, third-party mediation, or a return to more confrontational postures.
At present, the suspension has been declared without a fixed timeline for resumption. The Thai side has made clear that progress will depend on Cambodia proving its commitment and providing assurances that further attacks or mine incidents will not occur.
Cambodia, for its part, has called for cooperation to resume but also emphasized the practical difficulty of clearing decades-old minefields in rough terrain and disputed areas. In effect, the peace agreement now lies in limbo until clear confidence is restored.
In the border region, local communities and displaced persons may feel this setback keenly: hopes for normalization, cross-border trade, or resettlement may now be delayed.
At the regional level, the incident may prompt international actors—including the United States and ASEAN-related partners—to reconsider how they support monitoring and enforcement of such border peace agreements.
