BANGKOK
In a late-night phone conversation on November 14th, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul informed U.S. President Donald Trump that Thailand is suspending its commitments under a recently signed peace declaration with Cambodia, pending an official apology from Phnom Penh for a landmine explosion that severely injured two Thai soldiers. The call, which also involved Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, shows escalating tensions along the shared border and displays Thailand’s insistence on accountability amid accusations of Cambodian violations.
Anutin, who doubles as interior minister, detailed the discussion in a lengthy Facebook post early on November 15th, outlining 11 key points from the talks. “I confirmed that the Thai government will suspend operations under the terms specified in the declaration until Cambodia accepts that it failed to comply with and violated the said conditions, and issues a statement of apology to the Thai people regarding the incident that occurred at Phu Makuea, which resulted in Thai soldiers being injured and losing limbs,” he wrote, referring to the disputed area in Sisaket province.
The incident in question unfolded on November 10th as we reported here, when Sgt. Maj. Terdsak Samaphong and another soldier stepped on a newly planted anti-personnel mine during a routine patrol in the Huai Tamar area of Kantharalak district. One soldier lost his right ankle, marking the seventh such casualty since mid-July 2025. International observers, including teams from multiple countries, confirmed that the four mines, three recovered intact and one that detonated, appeared to have been freshly laid on Thai soil after the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on October 26. Thai media reported that the explosives were PMN-2 type mines.
This flare-up is the latest chapter in a decades-long territorial dispute rooted in colonial-era boundaries drawn by France, which once ruled Cambodia. The contested 817-kilometer frontier, particularly around ancient Khmer sites like Preah Vihear Temple (awarded to Cambodia by the International Court of Justice in 1962), has sparked intermittent clashes since the 2000s. Tensions reignited in July 2025 with rocket attacks and gunfire exchanges near Sa Kaeo and Oddar Meanchey provinces, resulting in over 40 deaths on both sides and the detention of 18 Cambodian prisoners of war by Thai forces. Anutin’s predecessor, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was ousted in September amid backlash over perceived weakness in handling the crisis, paving the way for his nationalist-leaning minority government.
The Kuala Lumpur Declaration, brokered during the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, was hailed as a diplomatic win for Trump, who joined Anutin, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, and Anwar as a witness. The four-point accord called for an immediate ceasefire, mutual withdrawal of heavy weapons (including BM-21 rocket launchers), joint demining efforts, and the release of detainees. Implementation was to begin in phases, with prisoner exchanges slated for November 12th, a deadline now indefinitely postponed by Thailand. Trump, fresh off his reelection, promoted the deal as a personal success, but Anutin’s suspension has drawn sharp rebukes from Phnom Penh, which denies planting the mines and accuses Thai forces of provocation.
During the calls, both Trump and Anwar urged Anutin to uphold the declaration’s spirit for lasting peace, with Anwar committing to draft clarifying documents as ASEAN chair. Anutin, however, reiterated Thailand’s “clear stance,” stating that Bangkok acted in good faith while Cambodia “lacked sincerity.” He called on the leaders to press Hun Manet to respect the terms strictly, halt obstructions to Thai demining teams, and address broader issues like Cambodian settlements in disputed villages such as Ban Nong Jan and online scam operations allegedly run from border areas.
The conversation veered into trade amid Trump’s tariff threats against non-compliant nations. Anutin requested further reductions beyond the current 19% on Thai exports, noting Thailand’s cooperation. Trump reportedly replied, “If you can clear the mines quickly without Cambodian interference, we’ll consider lowering them more,” linking diplomacy to economics. Anutin dismissed fears of U.S. retaliation earlier this week, declaring at the National Defence College that Thailand “won’t bow to tariff pressures” and prioritizing sovereignty.
Cambodia’s response has been defiant. Hun Manet, in a parallel call with Trump, reaffirmed Phnom Penh’s commitment to the declaration and thanked the U.S. for mediating the initial ceasefire. Cambodian media and officials claim the mines are remnants from past conflicts, not new violations, and accuse Thailand of staging the incidents themselves to derail talks. Fresh clashes on November 12th near Nong Ya Kaeo village left a Cambodian villager injured, with both sides trading blame for gunfire.
Domestically, Anutin’s hardline approach has fueled nationalist fervor, with social media hashtags like #PeaceIsNotReal trending amid support from military leaders. Opposition figures, including Nattaphong Ruengpanyawut of the Future Forward Party, have offered condolences to the injured while criticizing the government for inadequate briefings to allies like the U.S. and Malaysia. Pheu Thai MP Anusorn Iam-sa-at warned that dismissing Trump’s tariffs could “invite trouble,” potentially harming Thai exports.
As ASEAN observers prepare to inspect the border on November 16th, Anutin’s post ended on a defiant note: “Thailand loves peace, but when war comes, we won’t hesitate.” With Trump pledging further involvement and economic incentives dangling, the fragile truce hangs in the balance, testing regional alliances and Anutin’s domestic standing ahead of promised elections in 2026.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
