Thai ceasefire commitment welcomed; international law still key part of solution

Thai ceasefire commitment welcomed; international law still key part of solution

#opinion

Many Cambodian people welcomed the recent statement delivered by the Thai Foreign Minister to the UN Security Council. He reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to the ceasefire with Cambodia and declaring that Thailand does not seek to claim the territory of any country. His comments drew praise from several Cambodians, who appreciate the language of peace, restraint and diplomacy expressed before the international community.

Cambodians, like all peace-loving people, strongly desire stability, mutual respect and good relations between neighbouring countries. We believe that disputes between nations should always be resolved through peaceful dialogue, respect for international law and adherence to historical agreements and internationally recognised border arrangements.

However, while the words spoken at the UN were encouraging, many Cambodian citizens continue to hold deep concerns regarding realities on the ground along certain sections of the Cambodia–Thailand border. From the Cambodian perspective, there remain areas of Cambodian territory where Thai military presence and activities continue despite Cambodia’s longstanding understanding that these lands belong to Cambodia under historical treaties and internationally recognised maps established during the French colonial administration of Indochina.

For Cambodia, the issue is not about hostility toward the Thai people, nor is it an attempt to create division between the two Kingdoms. Rather, it is a matter of sovereignty, territorial integrity, historical justice and respect for international commitments. Cambodia has consistently relied upon peaceful legal principles, diplomatic mechanisms and internationally recognised documentation in addressing border matters.

The maps prepared during the French administration were not arbitrary creations. They formed part of historical boundary arrangements and were used for decades as references in relations between the two countries. Cambodia therefore believes that these internationally recognised maps and agreements deserve sincere respect and implementation in practice, not only acknowledgment in principle.

The international community should understand that for many Cambodians, concerns over border areas are deeply emotional and historical. Cambodia has experienced centuries of territorial pressure and conflict throughout different historical periods. As a result, questions relating to territorial sovereignty naturally carry profound national significance for the Cambodian people.

Cambodia has repeatedly demonstrated patience and commitment to peaceful solutions. Cambodia has chosen diplomacy over confrontation and international law over violence.

Cambodia’s position has consistently emphasised dialogue, legal mechanisms, peaceful coexistence and ASEAN friendship. At the same time, many Cambodians hope the world community will also recognise and understand their concerns regarding what they view as the continued occupation or military presence within parts of Cambodia’s border lands.

True peace cannot rest only upon speeches delivered in international forums. Lasting peace requires equal respect on the ground for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and historical agreements accepted under international law. Genuine trust between neighbouring nations can only grow when commitments expressed before the world are matched by concrete actions in reality.

The Cambodian people continue to hope that Thailand and Cambodia can work together in good faith to ensure that all border issues are resolved peacefully, transparently and in accordance with international law and historically recognised border maps. Such an approach would not only strengthen bilateral friendship but also contribute to long-term peace, stability and mutual respect throughout Southeast Asia.

The Cambodian people do not seek conflict. They seek fairness, respect, dignity and peaceful coexistence between neighbours under the principles of international law and sovereign equality.

Tesh Chanthorn is a Cambodian citizen who longs for peace. The words and opinions expressed are his own.

-Phnom Penh Post-

Thai foreign minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow addresses a UN Security Council open debate on May 26. Thai foreign ministry