What's happened
On November 10, 2025, Thailand suspended a U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Cambodia after a landmine explosion injured Thai soldiers along their disputed border. Thailand accuses Cambodia of laying new mines, a charge Cambodia denies. The suspension halts prisoner releases and arms removal, casting doubt on the fragile peace brokered last month amid ongoing border tensions.
What's behind the headline?
Persistent Border Dispute Undermines Peace Efforts
The suspension of the ceasefire by Thailand reveals the fragility of peace efforts between the two neighbors. Despite high-profile mediation by U.S. President Donald Trump and ASEAN leaders, the core territorial dispute remains unresolved, with both sides accusing each other of ceasefire violations.
Landmines as a Flashpoint
The recent landmine explosion that maimed Thai soldiers is emblematic of the ongoing mistrust. Thailand's claim that Cambodia laid new mines directly challenges the truce's terms, while Cambodia insists these are remnants from past conflicts. This impasse stalls critical steps like prisoner releases and arms removal.
Political and Nationalist Pressures
Thailand's government faces domestic pressure to take a hard line, complicating diplomatic flexibility. Analysts note that the truce was partly motivated by external pressures, including U.S. trade leverage, rather than a comprehensive resolution of the border dispute.
Outlook
Without a detailed, enforceable agreement addressing the border demarcation and mechanisms for verification, the ceasefire is unlikely to hold. The risk of renewed clashes remains high, threatening regional stability and the welfare of border communities. Continued international engagement and a shift toward substantive negotiations are essential to prevent further escalation.
What the papers say
The New York Times' Sui-Lee Wee highlights Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's firm stance: "Everything must stop until there is further clarity," underscoring the breakdown of talks and the indefinite postponement of prisoner releases. Reuters reports Thailand's demand for an apology and investigation into the landmine incident, quoting Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura: "We want the Cambodian side to issue an apology." Cambodia, however, denies laying new mines, with its Defence Ministry emphasizing commitment to the truce, as noted by Al Jazeera. The Independent provides detailed accounts of the border skirmishes and civilian evacuations, quoting Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet accusing Thai forces of "provocative actions". Sky News and AP News contextualize the ceasefire's origins, noting Trump's role in brokering the deal and the skepticism of experts like Matthew Wheeler from the International Crisis Group, who called the truce "predictable" to collapse due to its superficial nature. These contrasting perspectives reveal deep mistrust and the challenges of sustaining peace without addressing the underlying territorial dispute.
How we got here
Thailand and Cambodia have long disputed their 817-km border, rooted in a 1907 French colonial map. Clashes in July 2025 killed at least 48 and displaced 300,000. A ceasefire brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysia in October aimed to end hostilities, including troop withdrawals, prisoner releases, and mine clearance.
Go deeper
- What triggered Thailand to suspend the ceasefire with Cambodia?
- How has Cambodia responded to Thailand's accusations?
- What role did the U.S. and President Trump play in the ceasefire?
Common question
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Why Did the US Lift the Arms Embargo on Cambodia?
Recently, the US lifted its arms embargo on Cambodia, signaling a shift in regional strategy. This move raises questions about US foreign policy goals, regional stability, and Cambodia's role in Southeast Asia. What prompted this change, and what does it mean for neighboring countries and global diplomacy? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this significant development.
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Why Did Thailand Suspend Its Ceasefire with Cambodia?
The recent suspension of the ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia has raised many questions. After a period of relative peace brokered by U.S. mediation, tensions have escalated again, leading to concerns about further conflict. In this page, we explore the reasons behind Thailand's decision, the key issues fueling the dispute, and what might happen next. If you're wondering why peace efforts are breaking down and what this means for the region, keep reading for clear answers.
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How Are Countries Responding to Today’s Major Crises?
Recent global events have highlighted how nations react to natural disasters, conflicts, and security threats. From ceasefire suspensions to cyberattacks, understanding these responses can shed light on international cooperation and ongoing challenges. Below, we explore key questions about how countries are managing today’s crises and what lessons can be learned.
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What Are the Latest Major Political and Economic Crises Around the World?
Global politics and economics are constantly shifting, with recent events highlighting significant crises that impact regional stability and international relations. From contested elections to border disputes and government scandals, understanding these issues is crucial. Below, we explore some of the most pressing crises happening right now and answer common questions about their causes, effects, and future implications.
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What Are the Latest Conflicts and Tensions in Asia and Africa?
Recent developments across Asia and Africa highlight ongoing conflicts, border disputes, and diplomatic tensions that are shaping regional stability. From border clashes in Southeast Asia to diplomatic strains in Africa, these issues raise important questions about the future of peace and security in these regions. Below, we explore the key conflicts, their causes, and the roles of international mediators in trying to resolve them.
More on these topics
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Cambodia, officially the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina peninsula in Southeast Asia.
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Thailand, officially the Kingdom of Thailand and formerly known as Siam, is a country in Southeast Asia. Located at the centre of the Indochinese Peninsula, it is composed of 76 provinces, and covers an area of 513,120 square kilometres, and a population
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Hun Manet (born 20 October 1977) is a Cambodian politician and military officer who has served as Prime Minister of Cambodia and Vice President of the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) since 2023. He is the second child of Senate president and former.
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Anutin Charnvirakul is a Thai politician. As of 2020, he serves as Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Public Health.
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.