BANGKOK, THAILAND – A November 10 landmine explosion that seriously wounded a Thai soldier in Sisaket province has shaken Bangkok’s fragile peace deal with Cambodia and triggered the suspension of all bilateral cooperation.
Explosion on the Thai-Cambodian Border
Generalmajor Winthai Suvaree, spokesperson of the Thai army, said new landmines were discovered within Thai territory in the Huai Ta Maria area of Kantharalak District, about 30 kilometres from the Cambodian border. The incident marked the seventh mine-related injury recorded in 2025.
Phnom Penh denied responsibility, calling the devices remnants of conflicts from the 1970s and 1980s. The Thai army issued a firm rebuttal, insisting the explosives were newly produced and deliberately laid inside Thai soil.
Bangkok Halts Cooperation Within Hours
On the morning of November 10, Defence Minister General Natthaphon Nakpanich ordered an immediate halt to the planned repatriation of 18 detained Cambodian soldiers. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, also serving as Interior Minister, suspended all ongoing cooperation with Cambodia later the same day.
Both the Foreign Ministry and the Royal Thai Air Force filed official protest notes. The National Security Council (NSC) met on November 11 and voted to suspend all four clauses of the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration signed barely two weeks earlier.
“The goal is to protect national sovereignty and ensure defensive readiness.”
said General Natthaphon Nakpanich, Defence Minister.
Rising Public and Expert Pressure
Analyst Dulyapak Preecharush of Thammasat University told PPTV the attack marked a political turning point.
“The previous diplomatic protests are no longer enough to protect national interests.”
said Dulyapak Preecharush, Political Scientist.
Former army chief Generalmanas Chande criticised the military’s delay in reacting.
“The army should have responded with military force in the very first hour.”
said Generalmanas Chande, former Army Chief.
Legal Scholars Debate Right to Self-Defence
International law experts Professor Thitinan Pongsudhirak of Chulalongkorn University and Associate Professor Thanaphat Chatinakrob of Thammasat University urged caution, emphasising the need for solid evidence that new mines were laid after the recent peace accord.
Thanaphat noted Thailand’s rights under Article 51 of the UN Charter, but warned against overreach.
“Any operation must remain limited to the affected area and must not endanger civilians under any circumstances.”
said Thanaphat Chatinakrob, Associate Professor.
Diplomatic and International Response
Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow lodged a formal protest in Phnom Penh. The signatories of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration, including Malaysia and the United States, received official notifications of the alleged breach.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndet Phlangkur confirmed Thailand’s intent to raise the case before the Ottawa Convention on the ban of anti-personnel mines.
Thanaphat called the move appropriate and suggested non-military pressure.
“Cambodia is already in economic difficulty – targeted economic measures could exert strong influence there.”
said Thanaphat Chatinakrob, Associate Professor.
Warnings Against Escalation
Foreign policy expert Thitinan Pongsudhirak urged restraint.
“Military action must always remain a last resort. If Thailand overreacts, it risks losing its international credibility.”
said Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Professor of Political Science.
He noted that the Kuala Lumpur deal, signed with regional and international participation including Donald Trump and Anwar Ibrahim, carried symbolic and diplomatic significance for ASEAN stability.
ASEAN Offers Mediation
Malaysia’s General Mohamad Nizam Jaffar, commander of the armed forces, reaffirmed Kuala Lumpur’s intent to continue mediating the peace process through the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT). The group was not yet allowed to enter the conflict area, located about 40 kilometres from the border, but remained on standby.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that Malaysia would act strictly as a neutral observer.
Phnom Penh Denies Responsibility
From Cambodia, Rotha Him of the Cambodian Center for Regional Studies repeated Phnom Penh’s position that unexploded mines are long-standing remnants in disputed zones.
“Many believe the cause lies with Thailand – the narrative there speaks of historically motivated territorial claims.”
said Rotha Him, Deputy Director of the Cambodian Center for Regional Studies.
He added that border communities favour reopening crossings to ease pressure.
“People along the border mainly want peace and the reopening of border posts to relieve economic hardship.”
said Rotha Him, Deputy Director.
Uncertain Future
The Thai Foreign Ministry described the measure as a temporary suspension pending results of the investigation. However, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signaled deeper rupture.
“What we agreed upon to work toward peace is now over.”
said Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister.
Observers warned that a full withdrawal from the peace accord could raise the likelihood of renewed armed confrontation along the sensitive border region.