Thailand-Cambodia Peace Deal Falters After Clashes

The peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, brokered by US President Donald Trump, is falling apart after a Cambodian villager was killed in fresh clashes between the two countries along their disputed border. The clash occurred two days after Thailand suspended the peace agreement following a landmine explosion that injured four Thai soldiers. Both sides accused each other of opening fire, with Cambodia claiming Thai soldiers fired on civilians, killing one person and wounding three others, while Thailand said Cambodian troops fired towards the Thai side. The incident marked a significant reignition of hostilities after the peace declaration, which included commitments to de-escalate tensions and conduct de-mining efforts. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet condemned the clash as an act against international law and called for an independent investigation.

A US-brokered ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia is in jeopardy after a landmine explosion injured four Thai soldiers, prompting Thailand to pause the implementation of the agreement. The incident has raised tensions between the two Southeast Asian neighbors, who clashed over the summer, resulting in at least 48 deaths and 300,000 displaced people. Cambodia has denied responsibility for the landmine explosion, while Thailand accuses Cambodia of laying new mines in violation of the truce. The ceasefire was brokered by US President Donald Trump, who announced it last month in Malaysia, alongside other diplomatic efforts aimed at showcasing his peacemaking abilities. Experts have questioned the sustainability of the truce, suggesting it was concluded to placate Trump on matters unrelated to the conflict, such as trade.

A clash between Thai and Cambodian troops along their shared border has resulted in one death and several injuries, following the breakdown of a US-brokered ceasefire agreement signed in October. The truce collapsed after a Thai soldier lost a leg to a landmine blast, prompting Thailand to suspend the deal. The border dispute, which dates back centuries, has led to fighting between the two nations, with 43 people killed and 300,000 displaced in July. The recent gunfire exchange has further escalated tensions, with both sides blaming each other for the violence.