Cruel Weapons Against Innocence: Thai Escalation on the Cambodian Border

Cruel Weapons Against Innocence: Thai Escalation on the Cambodian Border

– Opinion –

The Cambodian people have once again become victims of Thailand’s reckless military aggression. Late last month, heavy Thai weaponry rained destruction across the Cambodian borderlands — indiscriminately targeting civilians, schools, health centres, sacred pagodas and even the Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Nearly 200,000 Cambodians were displaced, fleeing weapons no community should ever face.

This was not a border skirmish. It was a calculated campaign waged with some of the most destructive arms in modern warfare. Thai forces deployed F-16 Fighting Falcons, Swedish-made Gripen jets, armed drones, 155mm artillery and heavy bombs such as the MK82 and MK84 against Cambodian territory.

Cluster munitions — banned under international conventions — have been scattered across farmland, ensuring that children and farmers will face death long after the fighting ends. Even more shocking, white phosphorus munitions — infamous for their horrific burns — have been used against Cambodian soldiers and civilians.

Thailand’s violations extend beyond the battlefield. After the current ceasefire was declared, Thai forces illegally captured Cambodian soldiers and continue to hold them. This violates the Geneva Conventions, which require the immediate release of prisoners of war after hostilities cease. Such unlawful detentions are not only acts of bad faith but constitute war crimes, undermining the very foundation of peace.

Cambodia cannot and must not remain silent. The destruction of Preah Vihear Temple strikes at the heart of world civilisation. The shelling of pagodas, schools and hospitals, along with the terrorising of refugee populations, recalls the darkest chapters of human cruelty. These are not accidents of war; they are deliberate acts that violate international humanitarian law, the UN Charter and every principle of civilised conduct.

The international community must take note. This aggression — armed with MK82 and MK84 bombs, cluster munitions, incendiary weapons and illegal detentions — is not a mere bilateral dispute. It is a crime against humanity. The UN, UNESCO and human rights bodies must hold Thailand accountable for its disproportionate and indiscriminate use of force. Silence would reward impunity and encourage further escalation, not only in Southeast Asia but worldwide.

Cambodia reaffirms its commitment to peace, dialogue and coexistence. But peace requires restraint, respect for law and recognition of human dignity. When one side chooses F-16s, MK82 and MK84 bombs, cluster munitions, white phosphorus and the unlawful detention of soldiers over diplomacy, the world has a duty to stand with the victims.

Thailand’s leaders must immediately halt their aggression, withdraw forces, release all detained Cambodian soldiers and end the use of cruel weapons designed to maximise human suffering. Cambodia seeks justice not only for its people but for the principle that no nation — large or small — should ever be crushed under the weight of such violence.

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