Thai Prime Minister Anutin Demands Apology from Cambodia Over Border Incident, Warns Peace Process at Risk

In a strongly-worded statement on Friday, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul issued a firm demand for Cambodia to apologise for a landmine explosion that severely injured Thai soldiers on the border, warning that ongoing peace efforts between the two nations will be jeopardised unless Phnom Penh acknowledges its violation of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration.

Anutin’s public statement, which was shared via his official Facebook account, followed up on private conversations with U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Both leaders were in attendance for the signing of the Joint Thailand–Cambodia Declaration on 26 October 2025, which aimed to enhance cooperation and peace between the two nations. However, the landmine incident, which occurred at Phu Makuea, has severely strained those relations.

Incident Details and Thailand’s Stance

The landmine explosion, which involved four newly planted mines, occurred on Thai soil, leaving several soldiers seriously wounded. Anutin emphasised that foreign observers who inspected the site confirmed that the mines were placed after the Kuala Lumpur Declaration was signed, directly implicating Cambodia in violating the terms of the agreement.

“The facts are clear, and the evidence is irrefutable,” Anutin wrote. “The mines were laid after the agreement, and this action by Cambodia is not only a violation of our shared peace framework but also a breach of trust between our two nations.”

The Thai Prime Minister asserted that until Cambodia publicly admits to the violation and issues a formal apology, Thailand will suspend all operations under the declaration. He added that peace efforts cannot continue without Cambodia’s acknowledgement of responsibility.

International Pressure and Diplomatic Demands

Anutin’s statements were not only directed at Phnom Penh but also at the international community. He informed both President Trump and Prime Minister Anwar of the severity of the situation, urging them, as witnesses to the declaration, to press Cambodian leaders to uphold the terms of the agreement.

“I have made it clear to both leaders that if Cambodia continues to ignore its obligations under the Declaration, it will become increasingly difficult to maintain any trust or goodwill between our two countries,” Anutin said. “This situation has the potential to damage the long-term peace process that we have worked so hard to build.”

The Prime Minister also requested that Trump and Anwar convey Thailand’s demands to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and ensure that the Cambodian government refrains from obstructing Thailand’s demining operations along the border. Thailand has been carrying out these operations as part of its efforts to ensure the safety of its citizens, particularly in regions vulnerable to landmines.

Warning of Consequences

Anutin was clear in his warning that Cambodia’s continued refusal to take responsibility for the landmine incident would not be tolerated. While he reiterated Thailand’s commitment to peace, he stressed that Thailand has the right to take necessary action to protect its sovereignty and the safety of its citizens.

“We have no desire for conflict, nor do we seek to invade Cambodia. But we will take all necessary steps to defend our people and our land,” Anutin declared. “Retaliatory measures would only be taken to safeguard Thai territory and citizens, not as an act of aggression.”

He reminded the international community that Thailand has a history of providing refuge to Cambodians fleeing war and violence, which he described as “a gesture of goodwill and humanitarian concern.” However, he warned that Thailand could no longer turn a blind eye to Cambodian actions that threaten national security.

A Call for Regional Cooperation

Despite the ongoing tensions, Anutin underscored Thailand’s continued commitment to regional cooperation and peaceful diplomacy. He acknowledged that the landmine incident had deeply disappointed the Thai people, but affirmed that Thailand would not compromise its national dignity or safety for the sake of diplomacy.

“Thailand remains dedicated to peace, but we will not tolerate actions that threaten our sovereignty,” Anutin concluded. “We call on Cambodia to step up, take responsibility, and restore the trust that has been damaged.”

As of now, it remains to be seen whether Cambodia will respond to Thailand’s demand for an apology or continue to dispute the allegations. The situation is a crucial test for the future of the Thailand-Cambodia relationship and broader regional stability.