Land‑mine blast forces a pause in negotiations

Bangkok announced today that it is putting on hold the peace talks with Phnom Penh that were launched at the urging of the United States. The decision follows a recent incident in which two Thai soldiers were wounded by a hidden land mine near the disputed border.

The incident has raised serious security concerns among Thai officials, who say the blast underscores the fragility of the cease‑fire that has been in place for years. “We cannot continue diplomatic talks while our troops are at risk on the ground,” a senior ministry spokesperson stated.

These talks, first convened in early 2024, were part of a broader pledge by both governments to settle a long‑standing territorial dispute that has flared periodically over the decades. The initiative was strongly supported by President Donald Trump, who urged the two nations to find a lasting solution.

With the negotiations now suspended, analysts warn that the momentum toward a comprehensive settlement may be lost, potentially reigniting tensions along the Thai‑Cambodian border.