BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand suspended its participation in a joint peace declaration with Cambodia after a mine explosion on 10 November 2025 injured two Thai soldiers near Phu Makuea in Sisaket province.
Mine Blast Sparks Diplomatic Rift
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced the decision on 15 November following a late‑night phone call on 14 November with US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The mine, a PMN‑2 type, was the seventh such incident since July 2025 along the contested border zone.
“We suspend the commitments set in the declaration until Cambodia admits its wrongdoing and apologises to the Thai people.”
said Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of Thailand
International observers confirmed that four mines had been newly planted on Thai soil after the Kuala Lumpur Declaration was signed on 26 October 2025. The blast occurred in a territory claimed by both nations, close to the long‑disputed Preah Vihear temple area.
Calls for Investigation and Apology
The Thai Foreign Ministry stated that while Bangkok remained committed to peace, it could not accept treaty violations. A planned prisoner exchange scheduled for 12 November was postponed indefinitely. Thailand demanded that Cambodian authorities allow mine‑clearance teams to operate and clarify issues in villages such as Ban Nong Jan, where border criminal activity was alleged.
Regional and International Response
Both Trump and Anwar Ibrahim urged the continuation of the peace process, while Malaysia, as current ASEAN chair, prepared documents to resolve misunderstandings between the neighbours. Despite this, Anutin insisted that Thailand had “acted in good faith” and accused Phnom Penh of lacking sincerity.
In the Cambodian capital, Prime Minister Hun Manet rejected the allegations and said the recovered devices were remnants of older skirmishes. Phnom Penh further accused Thailand of exaggerating incidents to disrupt the dialogue. On 12 November, a Cambodian civilian was injured in a firefight near Nong Ya Kaeo, with both militaries blaming each other.
Trade Pressure from Washington
During the same phone call, Trump linked potential tariff reductions—currently averaging 19 percent on Thai exports—to progress in mine clearance. Days later, Anutin told officers at the National Defence College that Thailand would not bow to economic coercion, stressing that national sovereignty remained non‑negotiable.
Domestic Reaction in Bangkok
Anutin’s stance drew strong support from nationalist voters and the military. Online, hashtags such as #PeaceIsNotReal gained traction. Opposition lawmakers, including Nattaphong Ruengpanyawut from the Future Forward Party, warned of diplomatic isolation, while Pheu Thai MP Anusorn Iam‑sa‑at cautioned against provoking Washington, which could retaliate with trade measures.
Next Steps and Regional Outlook
An ASEAN inspection mission was scheduled for 16 November 2025 to assess the Sisaket border situation. Anutin ended his statement with a stark message:
“Thailand loves peace, but if war comes, we will not hesitate.”
said Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of Thailand
The suspension underscores the fragility of the ceasefire and may shape Anutin’s political fortunes ahead of Thailand’s 2026 general elections.