Thailand demands apology from Cambodia over landmine blast near disputed border

Thailand has demanded a formal apology from Cambodia after a landmine injured a Thai soldier on patrol, accusing Phnom Penh of laying new explosives in violation of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire.

The incident has reignited tensions just weeks after the two countries signed an enhanced truce agreement in Malaysia, brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump. Bangkok has since suspended its participation in the deal.

“We asked them to find the facts on what happened and who is accountable,” Thai foreign ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura told reporters.

“We want the Cambodian side to issue an apology and put in place measures to prevent the future recurrence of the situation,” Balankura said.

Cambodia’s defence ministry has denied laying new mines, saying on Tuesday it remained committed to working with Thailand under the terms of the ceasefire.

The blast occurred along a stretch of contested frontier that was one of several flashpoints during a five-day conflict in July, which left at least 48 people dead and forced around 300,000 from their homes. The fighting involved rocket fire, heavy artillery, and airstrikes before a ceasefire was secured through direct intervention by President Donald Trump.

According to Thai military officials, at least seven soldiers have been seriously injured by landmine incidents since 16 July. Expert analysis of materials recovered from the latest explosion suggests that some of the mines were likely recently planted, Reuters has reported.

Landmine use has long been a source of friction between the two Southeast Asian neighbours, who have competing claims over parts of their 817-km (508-mile) shared border. Much of it remains undemarcated, rooted in a 1907 map drawn by French colonial authorities when Cambodia was under French rule.

A Cambodian government spokesperson declined to comment on Thailand’s request for an apology.

Copied