Opinion: Truth on the Border: Cambodia Honors Ceasefire, Thailand Must Face the World
Opinion: Truth on the Border: Cambodia Honors Ceasefire, Thailand Must Face the World
CMAC officials explain the damage caused by the Thai air force during the July 24-28 fighting to visiting diplomats. Supplied
Once again, Cambodia stands before the international community not with weapons, but with truth and humanity. In the face of Thailand’s unprovoked military attacks on our territory, our nation has chosen transparency, restraint and the rule of law as its shield. While the roar of Thai fighter jets and the echo of explosions disturbed our northern provinces, Cambodia opened its doors to the world, inviting foreign diplomats and military observers to witness reality on the ground.
On August 1, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn led an unprecedented diplomatic mission to the frontline in Oddar Meanchey province.
Ambassadors from China, Japan, the UK, Australia, Germany, India, Malaysia and Turkey walked through villages scarred by five consecutive days of Thai bombardment. They witnessed homes reduced to rubble, Buddhist pagodas damaged by shrapnel and schools turned into shelters for terrified families.
Among the diplomats, one voice captured the human tragedy: Japanese ambassador Ueno Atsushi, who shared on the Embassy facebook page: “I visited the areas affected by the military clashes between Cambodia and Thailand, as well as shelters for displaced civilians. Witnessing the extent of the damage caused by the military clashes and the plight of the displaced civilians, I felt a deep sense of sorrow. I would like to express my deepest condolences to those who lost their lives and offer my sympathy to those who have been affected. At the same time, I earnestly hope that complete peace will be restored as soon as possible. The Japanese government and I myself will make every effort to achieve this.”
His heartfelt words mirror the anguish of innocent civilians caught in a conflict they did not choose.
Separately, on July 30, foreign military attachés from 13 countries — including the US, France and China — visited the An Ses border checkpoint in Preah Vihear province. Their on-the-ground inspection confirmed Cambodia’s strict implementation of the ceasefire. Our soldiers stood in disciplined restraint, and our commitment to peace was clear for all to see. This transparent access for independent military observers reinforces Cambodia’s credibility and moral high ground.
These international visits were not symbolic gestures — they were missions of truth and justice. Cambodian officials, supported by the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), presented evidence of Thailand’s reckless aggression. Diplomats and military observers saw the craters left by MK-84 bombs, homes shattered and sacred spaces desecrated by violence. Cambodia did not hide behind propaganda; we invited the world to see the truth because truth is our strongest defense.
Yet Thailand persists in its campaign of provocation and disinformation. While Cambodian civilians suffer, Bangkok distorts facts to justify its military incursions. But no propaganda can erase the images now carried by the international community: destroyed homes, displaced children and pagodas scarred by bombs.
At this critical moment, Cambodia calls upon the international community to move from witnessing to action: Guarantee the ceasefire’s full respect and hold violators accountable. Support efforts to restore peace and stability for border civilians living in fear. Deter further Thai provocations — military or informational — through unified international engagement.
Cambodia has made its choice: we stand for peace, we honour the ceasefire and we protect our people with truth and transparency. We call on Thailand to do the same — end the aggression, cease the misinformation campaigns and return to the path of dialogue and coexistence.
The world is watching. History will remember not the noise of jets or the words of propaganda, but the courage of a nation that chose peace and the truth it showed the world.
Cambodia has opened its heart; now we ask the international community to transform truth into security and transparency into lasting peace.
Roth Santepheap is a geopolitical analyst based in Phnom Penh. The views and opinions expressed are his own.
The Phnom Penh Post
