Opinion: Cambodians Stand United in Patriotism as Thailand Shamelessly Claims What Isn’t Theirs

Opinion: Cambodians Stand United in Patriotism as Thailand Shamelessly Claims What Isn’t Theirs

Khmer Times | In recent days, a wave of patriotic fervor has swept across the Kingdom of Cambodia as thousands of Cambodians from all walks of life travel to the sacred temples of Ta Mone Thom and Ta Krabey, located in Oddar Meanchey province. On 20 July 2025, more than 4000 Cambodian from Phnom Penh, Battambang, Pursat, Tbong Khmum, Banteay Meanchey, Pailin, Siem Reap provinces visited Ta Mone Thom and Ta Krabey temples. Their purpose is clear: to assert their love for the motherland, to honor our ancestors, and to stand firm against foreign distortions of our heritage and sovereignty.

This spontaneous and peaceful mobilization of Cambodian citizens is a powerful reminder that patriotism in Cambodia is not dictated by political instructions or propaganda—it is deeply rooted in the hearts of our people. Young and old alike, from cities and rural communities, are making their way to these sacred sites not as tourists, but as rightful sons and daughters of the land. They go not to provoke, but to pray, to remember, and to declare: this is Cambodia, and this heritage is ours.

But while the Cambodian people are making history through unity and dignity, the Thai 2nd Army Region has resorted to an embarrassingly false narrative. On July 20, Lt. Gen. Boonsin Padklang shamelessly declared that Cambodia’s Ta Moan Thom and Ta Krabey temples—located clearly within Cambodian territory—are “Thailand’s.” He even had the audacity to claim that Cambodians were “welcome” to visit these temples as tourists under Thai military oversight.

Let us be very clear: Cambodians do not need a Thai army general’s permission to set foot on their own soil. These temples—Ta Moan Thom, Ta Krabey, and the entire stretch of Dangrek Mountain heritage—belong to Cambodia by history, culture, religion, and law. Cambodia also welcomes Thai tourists to our land—but only under Cambodian law, and with full respect for Cambodian sovereignty.

Thieves Who Cry Ownership

The Thai military’s claim is not only dishonest, it is laughably hypocritical. It is the behavior of a thief caught in the act—now attempting to rewrite the story by calling himself the owner. History cannot be erased by declarations. It is carved into stone, into the very foundations of Ta Moan and Ta Krabey, where ancient Khmer inscriptions stand as eternal proof of our civilization’s rightful legacy.

Thailand’s strategy has been consistent: deny, distort, and occupy. But no matter how many checkpoints they set up or how many soldiers they deploy, they cannot change the truth: these temples are the creation of the Khmer Empire, they sit on Cambodian soil, and they belong to the Cambodian people. Attempts to portray themselves as “hosts” are both shameful and internationally embarrassing.

Take It to the Court, If You Dare

If the Thai military and government truly believe that Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Touch, Ta Krabey, or even the surrounding Mom Bei areas belong to them, then they should take their case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ)—the same court that ruled clearly in favor of Cambodia regarding Preah Vihear Temple. Cambodia stands ready to defend its sovereignty under international law and will honor the decision of the Court. Will Thailand do the same? Or will they continue to hide behind fabricated narratives and military intimidation? Don’t be cowards—go to court, not propaganda.

A Proud and Peaceful Assertion of Sovereignty

Unlike Thailand’s provocations and false claims, Cambodia’s actions have been peaceful, lawful, and dignified. We have transported citizens in an orderly fashion, respected the environment, and maintained calm and unity. No one crossed into Thai territory, no one disturbed the peace. Our people simply went to pay respect to their history and express pride in being Khmer.

The international community should take note of the stark contrast: on one side, a disciplined and patriotic public expressing national identity through peaceful presence.

On the other, a desperate military clinging to false claims, afraid of the truth that history and heritage do not lie in their favor.

Cambodia Will Never Kneel

The spirit shown by the Cambodian people this week is not new—but it is newly invigorated. We are a peaceful nation, but never a submissive one. We seek dialogue, not conflict—but we will not allow our culture and land to be hijacked by our neighbors for political convenience.

To the Cambodian youth who traveled to Ta Moan and Ta Krabey, to the monks who chanted beneath our sacred stones, to the villagers who opened their homes and hearts—you are all patriots. You carry the fire of our ancestors. You are the frontline of sovereignty.

And to those who seek to appropriate what is not theirs, who falsify heritage and fabricate maps—we say this:

You may deceive yourselves, but you cannot deceive the world. History knows the truth. Cambodia remembers. And our people will never allow thieves to call themselves owners.

Roth Santepheap is a geopolitical analyst based in Phnom Penh. The views expressed are his own.