When a Leader Turns His Back on Peace
[Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has called for Thailand to break from the October 26 peace agreement, saying ‘We will follow our own path’. Khaosod]
-Opinion-
When a national leader publicly declares that “peace is over”, tears up an international declaration, and accuses his neighbour without evidence, the world must ask: what kind of leadership is this? Is it the conduct of a statesman — or the theatre of a politician desperate to distract from his own domestic troubles?
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s latest statements at the Thai–Cambodian border mark a reckless departure from the spirit of regional peace that Southeast Asia has worked tirelessly to uphold. His dramatic speech — delivered amid cameras and soldiers — was not a gesture of strength, but a display of political immaturity that risks plunging both nations into unnecessary tension.
Let us recall that it was Thailand, not Cambodia, that first abandoned the October 26 Kuala Lumpur Peace Declaration, an agreement witnessed by world leaders including US President Donald Trump and ASEAN chair Anwar Ibrahim. Cambodia has honoured every clause, including the removal of heavy weapons and the facilitation of joint demining operations along disputed areas. Thailand, meanwhile, has consistently shifted blame, fabricated accusations and used the media to inflame nationalist sentiment.
Anutin’s claim that “new landmines” were placed by Cambodia is both baseless and illogical. Cambodia — having spent decades demining its own soil at enormous human and financial cost — would never replant the very weapon that has killed tens of thousands of its citizens. The Cambodian Ministry of National Defence has already expressed deep regret over the accident and reminded all parties that the affected zone remains heavily contaminated from past conflicts. Facts, not fiery speeches, should guide our understanding.
By declaring that Thailand will “no longer adhere to the four points of the declaration” and will act “without consulting anyone”, Anutin exposes a disturbing disregard for international norms and regional diplomacy. Such words signal a turn away from ASEAN’s foundational principles of dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect. They also reveal the prime minister’s true intent: to exploit nationalism as a shield against internal political pressure and waning public trust.
Cambodia will not respond to provocation. The Kingdom’s position remains one of restraint, responsibility and respect for the mechanisms of peace. The border should be a zone of cooperation, not confrontation. And leaders should use their authority to build confidence, not conflict.
History will judge harshly those who trade peace for populism. Anutin’s declaration that “peace is over” does not end peace — it only exposes who stands against it. Cambodia’s conscience is clear: we remain committed to dialogue, to the rule of law and to the enduring friendship between our peoples. The real violation today is not on the ground — it is in the words of a leader who has chosen propaganda over peace.
Roth Santepheap is a geopolitical analyst based in Phnom Penh. The views and opinions expressed are his own.
-The Phnom Penh Post-
