Thais Can’t Handle the Truth: Death Threats Against a Brave Senator Reveal the Real Issue

[Thai Senator Angkhana Neelapaijit has received death threats for her condemnation of a psychological campaign against Cambodia civilians, including Children. Supplied]

-Opinion-

When a Thai senator speaks out against injustice, especially toward Cambodia, she should be praised. Instead, Senator Angkhana Neelapaijit faces death threats for simply condemning the use of loudspeakers by Thai ultra-nationalists to intimidate Cambodian villagers near the border.

This isn’t just an attack on one woman — it’s a disturbing window into the true nature of how some in Thailand react to truth and accountability. Senator Angkhana dared to break the silence and speak up for human rights and dignity, only to be met with venom from extremists who see her courage as betrayal. Labelling her a “Thai with a Khmer heart” and demanding her resignation is a cruel way to punish someone for standing on the side of justice.

The threats against Senator Angkhana have even drawn the attention of the UN.

Mary Lawlor, UN Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders, has expressed deep concern and reminded the world that defending truth and justice is never a crime. Yet, in Thailand, speaking out against nationalism-fuelled intimidation can cost you your safety.

This toxic environment reflects why Cambodia has turned to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing border disputes. Thailand’s refusal to engage with the ICJ shows they are afraid — afraid of exposing their own violations and territorial invasions. They prefer to bully and silence dissent rather than face international scrutiny.

The death threats against a senator who simply spoke the truth are a symptom of a larger problem: a refusal to accept responsibility and a culture of fear around accountability. Until Thailand can protect its truth-tellers instead of attacking them, the path to peace and justice will remain blocked.

This is not just about one senator: it’s about a nation’s unwillingness to face the facts. Thailand can boast about its military power all it wants, but true strength lies in the courage to confront the truth — and right now, that’s something many in Thailand clearly cannot do.

Neang Sopheap is a Phnom Penh-based analyst. The views and opinions expressed are his own.

Email: Israelsopheap@gmail.com

-The phnom Penh Post-