The resurgence of hostilities between Thailand and Cambodia, just weeks after US President Donald Trump brokered a truce over a violent border row, is set to pose significant challenges for the Philippines as the next Asean chair.
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Thailand last week announced it was suspending the peace agreement with Cambodia, signed at the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Kuala Lumpur on October 26.
Bangkok accused its neighbour of laying new mines after several Thai soldiers were injured while patrolling the border, including one who lost a foot.
Cambodia denied the charge, with Prime Minister Hun Manet accusing Thai soldiers of killing a civilian.
Bangkok said it would not be returning 18 Cambodian prisoners of war as previously agreed under the pact, with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul later declaring he “no longer cares” about Trump’s threat to impose astronomical tariffs, with cuts on levies as part of the condition for the truce.
However, a Thai government spokesman on Saturday said Bangkok would go ahead with talks on finalising a reciprocal trade deal with the US, adding the discussions would remain separate from the border dispute.
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