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PHNOM PENH – Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan has confirmed that the landmines stepped on by Thai soldiers along the border were not new, pledging Malaysia’s readiness to facilitate dialogue between Thailand and Cambodia to keep the peace process on track.
According to Malaysia’s state news agency Bernama, Hasan said on November 13 that talks between the two neighbors are expected to take place soon.
“Malaysia stands ready to facilitate both parties to arrive at a peaceful solution,” he said, adding that both Cambodia and Thailand had reached out to Malaysia for mediation.
While Cambodia has requested the talks be held in Kuala Lumpur, Thailand has asked Malaysia to remain firm in its efforts to maintain the ceasefire, Hasan noted.
“We regret and are saddened by the matter,” he said.
Tensions have escalated after Bangkok announced the suspension of the peace accord signed on October 26 in Kuala Lumpur, witnessed by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and U.S. President Donald Trump.
Thailand claimed the move was in response to a landmine blast near Phnom Trop on November 10 that injured several Thai soldiers.
However, Hasan, citing reports from ASEAN Observer Teams stationed in both countries, said investigations showed the mines were not newly planted.
“The ASEAN observer teams in Thailand and Cambodia reported that the landmines were not new,” Hasan said. “I just got off the phone with the Thai foreign minister. My hope is for both sides to calm down and continue the peace talks.”
On November 11, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul defended his government’s decision to withdraw from the accord, saying Thailand was not obligated to inform the U.S. about its move.
“Report to whom? We are a sovereign country. We don’t report to anyone,” Anutin was quoted by The Nation as saying. “If asked, we will respond appropriately, like any ambassador would. Otherwise, we owe no explanation.”
Analysts warned that Thailand’s unilateral decision has heightened uncertainty along the border and risked undermining months of progress toward peace.
On November 12, Thai forces launched what Cambodia described as an unprovoked attack on civilians in Prey Chan village, killing one person and injuring three others. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from Phnom Penh.
Prime Minister Hun Manet has urged Thailand to immediately cease the use of force against Cambodian civilians and avoid military means to resolve border disputes. He also called for an independent investigation with the participation of foreign experts to uncover the truth and deliver justice to those affected by the shooting.
Note: Bernama later removed the original article and reposted a new one with a correction, saying it mistranslated the foreign minister's quote on landmines.
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