Thailand suspends peace agreement with Cambodia – threat of escalation!

Thailand suspends peace agreement with Cambodia – threat of escalation!

The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has taken a new turn. Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced the suspension of the peace agreement with Cambodia on November 10, 2025. This step became necessary after two Thai soldiers were injured by an anti-personnel mine in Si Sa Ket, not far from the border with Cambodia. Anutin emphasized in his announcement that no further action can be taken until the incident is clarified. Thai government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat called the incident "unacceptable" and said the release of Cambodian prisoners of war scheduled for November 12 would also be suspended.

The peace talks between the two countries were restarted on October 26, 2025. In the presence of US President Donald Trump, Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet signed the agreement, which was aimed at promoting trust, peace and cooperation after fighting raged in July that left over 40 dead and more than 300,000 displaced. However, so far Cambodia has not commented on the latest developments.

Gradual implementation of the peace agreement

The implementation of the peace agreement began on November 1, 2025 with the withdrawal of heavy weapons. In a first phase, rocket launchers were to be withdrawn by November 21st, followed by artillery and tanks. The goal remains to ensure that the military presence in the border region is no stronger by the turn of the year than it was in April 2025. Such steps are crucial to defusing tensions and restoring normality at the border. Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata of Cambodia stressed the joint effort to implement the agreement, but the withdrawal is proving challenging.

Thailand accused Cambodia of laying mines since April and clarified that the release of 18 captured Cambodian soldiers would only take place on the condition that the withdrawal of weapons and the clearance of the mined areas are 100% fulfilled. In this context, tensions also arose when activist Veera Somkwamkid broke through a barrier and attempted to demolish Cambodians' homes, but was stopped by security forces.

The border conflict and its consequences

The border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has spanned a century and in recent months has seen fierce fighting involving gunfire, rocket launchers and even fighter jets. A ceasefire was announced on July 28, but it was short-lived. The city of Surin in Thailand and its surrounding areas have been declared a "war disaster area" as authorities warned of possible airstrikes from Cambodia.

The situation on site is tragic: at least four people have died and ten have been injured since the fighting began. Over 100,000 people have been evacuated from border areas in Thailand and are seeking refuge in schools and universities, including many worried families with children and animals. Reports from evacuees such as Onuma Luelong, a teacher, and Pornthip Srijam, a farmer, illustrate the worries and fears of people in this critical situation.

The questions about the border and security at the border remain unanswered. Discussions are necessary to clarify the tense situation and find possible solutions. However, as long as no progress is made, the people at the border will remain in an opaque situation.

For further information on current developments in the region, please visit the pages of Mallorca Services, nd Current and [DW].