Thailand suspends Thai–Cambodian joint declaration activities after border landmine blast

In response to heightened border tensions, the Thai government has announced an immediate suspension of all activities related to the Thai–Cambodian joint declaration, following a landmine explosion that injured four Thai soldiers on 10 November.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that operations linked to the agreement — including the potential release of 18 detained Cambodian soldiers — would be halted until further notice.

The decision follows a serious security breach during a routine Thai army patrol near Huai Ta Maria in Si Sa Ket's Kantharalak district, opposite Cambodia's Preah Vihear Temple.

Anutin, addressing the press on the same day, affirmed his full support for the actions taken by the Defence Ministry and the armed forces. He emphasised that Thailand would act solely based on its own national interests, signalling a sharp pause in diplomatic engagement with Cambodia.

"All ongoing operations will be put on hold until there is clarity," he said. "This latest incident makes it clear that hostility along the border — which we had hoped was easing — has not in fact decreased."

When pressed on whether the release of the 18 Cambodian soldiers would proceed, Anutin responded unequivocally, "Yes, everything must stop."

He declined to label Cambodia’s actions as a violation of existing bilateral agreements, deferring that judgment to the Defence Minister and military leadership. However, he reaffirmed his alignment with their response: "I stand with them and support every step they take."

Anutin confirmed plans to visit the injured soldiers in Si Sa Ket on 12 November. "Of course, I must go. Our soldiers have lost limbs," he said, underscoring the gravity of the injuries.

The Royal Thai Army received confirmation from the Suranaree Task Force detailing the extent of the injuries sustained. Sgt 1st Class Therdsak Samaphong lost his right foot in the explosion.

Private Watchira Thantana suffered internal injuries and chest pain. Private Apirak Srichomchai sustained shrapnel wounds to his legs, and Private Anucha Sujaree sustained eye injuries from exposure to explosive chemicals.

All four soldiers were transported to Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital in Ubon Ratchathani for urgent medical care.

Defence Minister Nattaphon Narkphanit indicated that the commander of the 2nd Army Region has been tasked with investigating the origin of the explosive device. "I have instructed a full investigation to confirm this," he said. “But what is certain for now is that the issue of the prisoners of war must take precedence — everything else will have to wait."

Government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat later echoed the Defence Ministry’s position, describing the incident as "unacceptable to the government". He confirmed that the prime minister had ordered the military to freeze all activities linked to the Thai–Cambodian joint declaration.

The declaration, which had been signed on 26 October in Kuala Lumpur, was aimed at enhancing cooperation and easing tensions along the contentious border area surrounding the Preah Vihear Temple — a site of long-standing disputes between Thailand and Cambodia.

The suspension of this agreement, though temporary, marks a sharp shift in diplomatic momentum. Analysts suggest the move signals Thailand's intention to reassert control over its national security posture while awaiting more information on the incident’s origins.

As investigations proceed and the political response continues to unfold, all eyes will remain on both nations’ next steps — and the condition of the injured Thai soldiers.