Thailand 'Hostilities' with Cambodia remain despite peace pact

Thailand-Cambodia Tensions Simmer Despite Peace Pact 'Hostilities Still Remain'

The fragile peace between Thailand and Cambodia has taken a significant hit, with hostilities remaining despite a United States-backed peace deal brokered in October. This development comes just days after Bangkok suspended the implementation of the pact following a landmine blast that wounded four Thai troops.

A Fragile Peace Deal Falters

The peace agreement, signed by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen in Kuala Lumpur, aimed to wind down the conflict that peaked with five days of clashes in July. The deal resulted in at least 43 fatalities and displaced around 300,000 civilians on both sides.

Key Provisions of the Peace Deal

Under the pact, both countries agreed to withdraw heavy weapons from the border region, grant access to ceasefire monitors, and allow Thailand to return 18 captured Cambodian troops. The agreement was seen as a step towards resolving the long-standing territorial dispute over a series of border temples.

Tensions Persist Despite Peace Pact

However, the suspension of the pact's implementation suggests that tensions have returned. The Thai military has accused Cambodia of laying new landmines along their border, breaching the Ottawa Convention banning antipersonnel mines. The latest incident was a landmine blast in Sisaket province, which wounded four soldiers.

An Elusive Comprehensive Peace Pact

According to International Crisis Group's senior analyst for Southeast Asia Matthew Wheeler, it is predictable that the agreement would break down. He believes that the deal was primarily concluded to placate US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, rather than addressing the underlying issues driving the conflict.

The Road Ahead

Thailand has confirmed that it will delay the release of captured Cambodian troops, a key plank of the peace plan. The Foreign Ministry has also announced that it will report the suspension of the deal's implementation to the US and Malaysia. Meanwhile, Cambodia has expressed regret over the latest mine blast, but emphasized that the munitions were relics of past conflicts.

A Lasting Solution Remains Elusive

Despite the fragile truce holding since July 29, a comprehensive peace pact adjudicating the territorial dispute at the core of the conflict remains elusive. Analysts believe that a lasting solution will require a more nuanced approach to addressing the underlying issues driving the conflict.

Conclusion

The ongoing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia serve as a reminder of the complexities involved in achieving lasting peace. As professionals in wildlife conservation, we must remain vigilant and proactive in our efforts to promote understanding and cooperation between nations. By emphasizing measures that foster cooperation and conflict resolution, we can work towards a more peaceful future for all.

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Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

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