Inflammatory rhetoric, unprovoked escalation of border row

A MK-84 bomb weighing nearly a tonne was dropped by the Thai Air Force in Oddar Meanchey province. KT/Heng Chivoan

-Editorial-
War broke out between Thailand and Cambodia on July 24, resulting in the tragic death of several Cambodian soldiers amid escalating tensions over a longstanding border dispute centred on ancient temples.

The unprovoked aggression by Thai armed forces sparked heavy fighting along the border, characterised by artillery duels, airstrikes, and rocket fire, leading to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians.

The conflict followed a sequence of events starting in May and culminating in July with deadly landmine incidents and contentious diplomatic exchanges between the two neighbouring nations.

On July 27, fighting continued between Cambodian and Thai forces along their disputed border, despite calls for a ceasefire.

In response to the escalating tensions, a ceasefire agreement was reached on July 28, facilitated by Malaysia and supported by key global players, the United States and China. The intervention aimed to de-escalate the conflict and prevent further loss of life on both sides.

Since then, Thailand has continued to detain 18 Cambodian soldiers who they said trespassed into Thai territory. The detention took place well after the ceasefire had come into effect. Thailand has shown immaturity in handling the situation as it continued to attend GBC, JBC and other bilateral meetings with Cambodia while holding on to the soldiers.

Would it not be a great thing if Thailand showed maturity, professionalism and magnanimity by immediately releasing the captured soldiers?

How is it logical for Thailand to use F-16 and Gripen jets to bomb Cambodian positions and then allege the attacks were in response to Cambodian escalation? Cambodia doesn’t have fighter jets or even attack helicopters, a fact well known to ASEAN and the world, one would presume.

Instead of continuing to throw rhetorical accusations at each other, Thailand should seize the initiative and release the detained soldiers at once.

I strongly believe that such magnanimity on the part of Thailand will help reduce escalating tensions at the border.

“Jaw jaw,” a phrase attributed to Winston Churchill who advocated for dialogue over conflict, refers to talking and negotiation to resolve disputes peacefully, while “war war” only leads to armed conflict and fighting.

Saddened Cambodian
Siem Reap