The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has announced the “termination” of “agreements between Thailand and Cambodia” until any “acts of hostility by Cambodia cease”, following an incident on Monday when Thai soldiers reportedly stepped on landmines.
While it does not specify the agreements, it is believed to include the peace agreement signed at the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
They made the announcement at 4:30 p.m. after the Defence Ministry said they would temporarily suspend all bilateral agreements, including the peace declaration with Cambodia pending further clarifications.
The move comes 16 days after both countries signed a peace agreement on October 26, witnessed by the U.S. President Donald Trump and the ASEAN Chair, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Tension flared again this morning when two Thai soldiers reportedly stepped on landmines near Preah Vihear temple area at around 9:30 a.m.
Immediately after the incident, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered the suspension of all operations involving Cambodia, including the planned transfer of Cambodian soldiers who were captured after the ceasefire took effect. The 18 Cambodian soldiers, who have been in Thai custody for more than three months, were scheduled to be released on November 12.
By 1:00 p.m., the Thai army accused Cambodian soldiers of firing small arms to provoke Thai forces. Hours later, the RTAF announced the termination of the peace agreement. Thai Prime Minister Anutin also called for a National Security Council meeting on Tuesday to discuss the escalating situation.
At the time of writing, Cambodian authorities have not issued an official response. Government spokesperson Pen Bona declined to comment, saying information would be shared once available, while Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Maly Socheata did not respond.
Kin Phea, Director-General of the International Relations Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, told CamboJA News that despite the ceasefire and peace agreement, Thailand has shown “little intention” to fully implement peace solution, “frequently violating” Cambodian territory — including installing razor wire in Prey Chan and Chouk Chey villages in Banteay Meanchey province.
He alleged that the new landmine incident appeared to be a “deliberate tactic” by Thailand to create an “excuse” to withdraw from the peace accord.
“The peace agreement was signed by the Thai government, but the Thai army does not follow the government’s direction,” he said. “This action disregards the efforts of the international community— including the United States, Malaysia, and other countries that supported this agreement.”
Kin Phea added that tensions along the border are likely to continue, noting that Thailand often uses the Cambodia border issue when its internal political problems occured.
