Thailand has paused a US-brokered ceasefire with Cambodia after a landmine explosion injured four of its soldiers.
Bangkok’s government said it would explain its decision to US President Donald Trump, who was present when the deal was signed last month in Malaysia.
Tensions flared between the South East Asian neighbours over the summer when the two sides clashed for five days.
Both nations blame each other for the worst fighting in their recent histories, during which at least 48 people were killed and 300,000 more displaced.
Thailand has indefinitely halted implementation of the agreement after a mine exploded along its Cambodian border.
The Thai army said a sergeant had lost his foot, and three others received minor shrapnel injuries, when the mine exploded on Monday in Sisaket province. It accused Cambodia of laying new mines in violation of the truce agreement.
Cambodia has denied responsibility.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura said on Tuesday the incident showed “Cambodia’s utter lack of sincerity” and called for an apology.
Thailand will now hold off on releasing 18 Cambodian prisoners of war currently held by its military.
The explosion was caused by “the remnants of past conflicts”, Cambodia Defence Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata said. She urged Thai troops to avoid patrolling in old minefield areas.
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Cambodia “remains committed to working closely with Thailand to promote peace and stability between the two countries, especially ensuring the security and safety of civilians,” she said.
Under the terms of the truce, Thailand agreed to withdraw troops and heavy weapons from the border area, and to release Cambodian detainees.
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Announcing the ceasefire last month, Mr Trump bragged that it was one of eight wars his administration had ended in eight months.
The president is known to covet a Nobel Peace Prize, like his predecessor Barack Obama won, and it’s been suggested his diplomatic efforts are in service of this goal.
Trump bought both sides to the table after threatening to halt their respective trade talks with the US.
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Trump arrives in Asia for Thai-Cambodian ceasefire
But experts say it was always doubtful that the uneasy peace will hold.
Matthew Wheeler, Southeast Asia senior analyst for the Belgium-based International Crisis Group, said it was “predictable” that the truce would collapse.
He said: “It was predictable that the agreement would break down, because it was plainly concluded to placate President Trump on matters unrelated to the conflict, namely, trade and Trump’s desire to be perceived as a peacemaker.”
This story originally appeared on Skynews
