Thailand on Monday announced its decision to suspend the implementation of US-brokered peace agreement with Cambodia following a landmine blast that injured two Thai soldiers.
AFP quoted a statement issued
by Royal Thai Army stating that the mine explosion in Sisaket province left one soldier with a severe leg injury, while pressure from the blast caused another to withstand chest pains.
Thai government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat said they will cease “the follow-up to the joint declaration”.
In July, Thailand and Cambodia fought a war that killed at least 43 people and displaced over 300,000 people on both sides. In late October, the accord was signed between Thailand and Cambodia in Kuala Lumpur. As part of the agreement, Thailand has to release 18 Cambodian soldiers.
The accord, which formalises an expanded ceasefire, was signed by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.
Charnvirakul told a press conference that “we thought that the security threat had eased, but it has not actually decreased”.
The Independent quoted the Thai Army as saying that a sergeant had lost his right foot after stepping on a land mine while on patrol Monday along the border in Sisaket province, while another soldier suffered a tightness in his chest from the impact of the blast. It said both soldiers were receiving treatment at a hospital.
Thai Defense Minister Natthaphon Narkphanit said the army is still investigating whether the mine was old or was newly laid. He added that the release of captured Cambodian soldiers, initially scheduled for later this week, has been postponed.
Meanwhile, Cambodian authorities have not released any statement.
In a statement on Monday, Cambodia’s defense ministry said it had “unwavering commitment” to peace.
