KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11 (KUNA) -- Thailand has suspended on Tuesday suspended the implementation of a United States-brokered peace agreement with neighbouring Cambodia after a landmine blast near their border injured two of its soldiers.
Royal Thai Army (RTA) chief Pana Klaewblaudtuk said in a statement that the "The truth has become clear that hostilities still remain," prompting the Royal Thai Army to halt all commitments under the Thai-Cambodian joint declaration on rebuilding peace signed in Kuala Lumpur last month.
He stressed that the army must suspend all agreements to preserve Thailand's right to defend itself against unjust attacks.
Thailand Defense Minister Gen. Nattaphon Narkphanit, told reporters that Bangkok would also halt the repatriation of 18 Cambodian prisoners of war currently held by Thai forces, declining to specify whether troops would be redeployed along the border areas.
Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow said Thailand would explain its decision to the US and Malaysia, which the is current ASEAN chair and ceasefire mediator.
Cambodia's Defense Ministry denied laying new mines and urged Thailand to avoid patrols in areas containing old minefields, affirming its commitment to work with Bangkok under the October agreement.
The reinforced ceasefire pact was signed during the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia to build on the truce brokered by President Trump in July, when he warned both countries to end hostilities or risk suspension of trade talks with Washington.
Both sides have traded accusations over renewed artillery exchanges that have left at least 48 people dead and displaced around 300,000 civilians. Tensions escalated after late Monday when a landmine blast injured four Thai soldiers. The Thai army accused Cambodia of planting new explosives despite the ceasefire terms that included troop withdrawals, removal of heavy weapons, and the release of Cambodian prisoners. (end) ayb.sar