Opinion: Defending Our Homeland with One Heart: The Unbreakable Solidarity of the Cambodian People

Opinion: Defending Our Homeland with One Heart: The Unbreakable Solidarity of the Cambodian People

Thousands of Cambodians from all walks of life attended a recent solidarity march to show their support for the troops on the border. Supplied

The Phnom Penh Post | In moments of provocation, the soul of a nation is tested. And today, Cambodia stands tall — not with rage, but with unity, resolve and dignity. As the Kingdom faces blatant military posturing and territorial encroachment by Thailand near our sacred heritage sites — the Ta Mone Thom, Ta Mone Touch and Ta Krabey temples, and the Mom Bei area — the Cambodian people have responded with an overwhelming show of national solidarity.

From the fields of Battambang to the streets of Phnom Penh, from factory floors to university halls, monks’ pagodas to artists’ studios, Cambodians across all walks of life are rallying behind the Royal Government and our brave soldiers at the frontlines. Our response is not fragmented; it is one of singular purpose: to defend our sovereignty, protect our territorial integrity and preserve our national dignity.

Our troops on the border do not stand alone. Behind every uniformed soldier are 17 million citizens — united in purpose, unwavering in pride and anchored in the memory of our hard-fought peace. These men and women defend not just disputed land; they guard our history, culture and the blood-stained sacrifice of our ancestors who dreamed of a Cambodia free and proud.

Under the clear-eyed leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet, and in the enduring shadow of Senate president Hun Sen’s legacy of peace, Cambodia has responded not with provocation but with poise, preparedness and principle. This is not a call to war. It is a call to unity. A reaffirmation that while we value peace, we will never surrender dignity.
Thailand’s reckless behaviour — military aggression, inflammatory rhetoric and media manipulation — reflects not strength, but political desperation.

Cambodia, in contrast, speaks the language of international law, diplomacy and peaceful coexistence. But our patience must not be mistaken for weakness. Our goodwill must not be tested endlessly.

This moment is not merely a border incident — it is a test of national character. And Cambodia has answered that test with profound unity.

Across provinces and generations, the Cambodian people are tying kramas in solidarity, hoisting the national flag, praying in temples and sending messages of support to the frontline. Civil society is mobilising. Donations are pouring in. Artists are singing of courage. Students are learning what it means to defend the nation. The youth — our future — are declaring loudly and proudly: “Khmer will not be bullied”.

We speak today with one voice: Cambodia seeks peace. We are committed to dialogue and regional harmony. But if our sovereignty is challenged, if our land is violated, we will defend it — not with hatred, but with unshakable courage, lawful means and national unity.

To Thailand and to the world, let this be clear: Cambodia is not divided. We are one people, under one flag, with one sacred homeland. We will not retreat. We will not bend. And we will not forget. One Nation. One Heart. One Homeland. United forever.

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