ASEAN monitors halt Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire check after blast
A team of ASEAN observers has suspended its ceasefire verification mission along the Cambodia-Thailand border following an explosion on the Thai side. The monitors were inspecting the border area in Pursat province when the blast occurred, prompting an immediate withdrawal for safety reasons. This incident highlights the fragile nature of the recently agreed truce between the two Southeast Asian nations.
A ceasefire monitoring team from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was forced to abruptly halt its work on the Cambodia-Thailand border Wednesday after an explosion was heard from the Thai side. The observers were in the process of verifying compliance with a truce in the Thmorda Commune area when the incident occurred, leading to an immediate suspension of their mission for safety precautions according to a statement from Cambodia's Information Ministry.
Recent Border Tensions
The security setback comes amid heightened tensions between the two neighboring countries. Last week, a cross-border clash resulted in the death of one Cambodian civilian and injuries to three others. Each nation accused the other of initiating the gunfire, which occurred shortly after Thailand had decided to suspend a recently established peace agreement. The two countries had signed the pact in Kuala Lumpur just last month.
Thailand's Demining Efforts
In a related development, Thai media reported that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed the Defense Ministry to accelerate landmine clearance operations along the contentious border. This directive follows discussions with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Thai Defense Minister Natthaphon Narkpanich stated that demining has been finished at five specific sites, with work ongoing at eight other locations.
A Fragile Truce
The current situation underscores the challenges facing the peace process. Cambodia and Thailand had agreed to an unconditional ceasefire on July 28 during a trilateral meeting hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, aiming to end several weeks of armed hostilities. The withdrawal of the ASEAN verification team now casts doubt on the stability of this truce and the prospects for lasting peace in the region.
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