Thailand announced on Tuesday that it will suspend the implementation of an enhanced ceasefire agreement with Cambodia, signed last month in the presence of US President Donald Trump, and will provide an explanation to Washington.
Defence Minister Natthaphon Narkphanit confirmed the return of 18 Cambodian prisoners of war currently held by the Thai military would also be delayed. He did not comment on whether Thai troops would be redeployed. Tensions between the two countries, which clashed for five days in July, rose after a landmine explosion on Monday injured four Thai soldiers.
The Thai military has accused Cambodia of placing new landmines after the agreement, which included troop and heavy weapon withdrawals and the release of detainees. Cambodia’s defence ministry denied the claims, urging Thailand to avoid old minefield areas and reaffirming its commitment to the October deal.
The enhanced ceasefire, signed at a regional summit in Malaysia, followed a truce brokered in July with Trump’s mediation, who warned the leaders of both countries that hostilities could affect trade talks with Washington. The July clashes killed at least 48 people and temporarily displaced around 300,000.
Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said the government’s decision would be explained to the United States and Malaysia, which chairs ASEAN, the regional bloc facilitating the ceasefire process. He added:
«What they (Cambodia) have said is not sufficient. We have to see what Cambodia’s stance is from now on.»
