Tensions have escalated between Thailand and Cambodia after Bangkok accused Phnom Penh of planting new landmines along their disputed border. According to local media reports of Bangkok, four Thai soldiers were injured-one seriously-after stepping on a landmine in Si Sa Ket province on Monday. The Thai Army claims the mines were newly laid, violating the recently signed Thai-Cambodian peace agreement brokered under the “KL Peace Accord.”
In response, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has suspended implementation of the accord and halted the planned release of 18 Cambodian soldiers. Cambodia’s defence ministry has rejected the allegations, saying the explosion was caused by an old landmine left from its civil war and reaffirmed its commitment to the peace deal and the Geneva Conventions.
The two neighbours have a long history of border disputes, with tensions flaring earlier this year despite international mediation.