Opinion: Unilateral Maps, Real Suffering: Cambodia Stands for Justice
A Thai barbed wire barricade in Prey Chan village, Banteay Meanchey province. Supplied
The world must clearly understand the root cause of repeated armed clashes and tensions along the Cambodian-Thai border. Cambodia and Thailand are currently in a ceasefire stage, but tensions remain because Thailand insists on using a unilateral map — drawn and claimed by itself, without international recognition. This illegal map, rejected by history and law, has become the primary source of military aggression and suffering. Immediate respect for the ceasefire and a return to peaceful dialogue are essential to restore normalcy for border communities.
Cambodia’s position is principled and consistent. The border must be settled based on international law and agreements already in force. The 1904 and 1907 treaties between France and Siam established the legal framework for border demarcation, and these maps carry international legitimacy. The 2000 memorandum of understanding between Cambodia and Thailand reaffirmed this principle, committing both sides to resolve disputes peacefully and in a spirit of cooperation.
Yet Thailand continues to ignore this legal foundation. By unilaterally deploying troops, erecting barbed wire fences and asserting claims on Cambodian territory, Thailand forces communities into fear and displacement. These actions do not resolve disputes— they create unnecessary tears, casualties and suffering for the people of both countries. Families lose their homes, livelihoods are destroyed and regional stability is threatened.
Cambodia and Thailand are currently in a ceasefire stage, and it is essential to achieve the complete implementation of the ceasefire to restore normalcy along the border and to the lives of affected communities.
The solution is clear. Cambodia calls on Thailand to immediately stop its unilateral actions, withdraw troops and remove barriers along the border. Cambodia remains ready to sit at the table with Thailand and use existing mechanisms — including the spirit of the 2000 MoU and the mandate of the International Court of Justice — to reach a lasting and just solution. Peaceful dialogue, not force, is the only way to ensure security, justice and dignity for the border communities.
History has shown that using force to redraw borders only brings sorrow and instability. Cambodia stands firmly for law, diplomacy and the protection of human life. The international community, ASEAN and the UN must recognize the real cause of this conflict and urge Thailand to choose dialogue over aggression.
Borders cannot be resolved with guns or unilateral maps. Cambodia stands on the right side of history, defending peace, law and the well-being of the people. Thailand must now decide if it will join in this path of reason — or continue down a road of conflict and suffering.
Roth Santepheap is a geopolitical analyst based in Phnom Penh. The views and opinions expressed are his own.
