Opinion: Cambodia Shows the Truth, Thailand Must Honor Ceasefire with Goodwill
Opinion: Cambodia Shows the Truth, Thailand Must Honor Ceasefire with Goodwill
Cambodia has once again demonstrated to the international community that it is a nation committed to peace, transparency, and the rule of law. In the wake of Thailand’s unprovoked military attacks on Cambodian territory, the Royal Government has taken decisive steps to honor the ceasefire agreement, even as Thai forces continue to provoke and mislead the world with baseless claims.
On a historic mission of truth, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn led a delegation of foreign diplomats to the frontline areas in Oddar Meanchey province, where civilian lives and properties have been shattered by five consecutive days of Thai bombardment. In Banteay Ampil district, the heads of diplomatic missions—including the Ambassadors of China, Japan, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, India, Malaysia, and Turkey—witnessed the grim reality on the ground: homes reduced to rubble, schools scarred by explosions, and sacred Buddhist pagodas damaged by Thai air force strikes.
Separately, on 30 July, foreign military attachés from 13 countries, including the United States, France and China, conducted an on-the-ground inspection at the An Ses border checkpoint in Preah Vihear province. Their visit confirmed Cambodia’s strict implementation of the ceasefire, providing an independent military perspective on Thailand’s aggression and Cambodia’s restraint. This transparent access for international military observers underscores Cambodia’s genuine commitment to peace and the rule of law.
The evidence speaks louder than propaganda. Cambodian officials provided briefings with full transparency, supported by experts from the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), allowing diplomats to see the destruction caused by Thai F-16 fighter jets and MK-84 bombs targeting civilian areas. Cambodia did not hide the truth—we invited the world to see it.
This unprecedented gesture of openness sends a clear message: Cambodia respects the ceasefire, seeks peace, and stands on the side of truth. By contrast, Thailand’s actions and continued misinformation campaigns expose it as the real aggressor. No amount of propaganda can erase the images now witnessed by the international community.
At this critical moment, Cambodia calls upon the international community to play an active role in safeguarding the ceasefire and ensuring that it is fully respected. The presence and engagement of foreign diplomats and military attachés are vital not only to verify the truth but also to deter future provocations and support the return of peace and stability. With the backing of the international community, Cambodia aims to restore normalcy for its border residents and prevent further human suffering.
Cambodia calls on Thailand to respect the ceasefire fully, halt all forms of military and information warfare, and work toward restoring peace for the sake of both nations’ people. The world is watching—and it now knows who stands for peace and who fuels conflict.
Roth Santepheap is a geopolitical analyst based in Phnom Penh. The views expressed are his own.
Khmer Times
