Cambodia’s Commitment to Peace, Thailand’s Distortion of Truth
Cambodia’s Commitment to Peace, Thailand’s Distortion of Truth
-Opinion-
In the aftermath of the recent ceasefire agreement, Cambodia has remained steadfast in its commitment to peace, stability, and mutual respect. Cambodian forces and citizens alike have abided by the principles of restraint, discipline, and dignity—honoring both the letter and the spirit of the truce.
Thailand, however, has chosen a different path. Instead of contributing to de-escalation, certain institutions and voices in Thailand have manipulated facts, spread false narratives, and incited hostility among citizens on both sides of the border. These actions not only undermine the fragile ceasefire but also poison the prospects for lasting peace and cooperation.
Most concerning is the role of those entrusted with responsibility. The spokesmen of Thai institutions, particularly the Thai Army, have turned into factories of misinformation. Through distortion and exaggeration, they misrepresent Cambodia’s actions and inflame nationalist sentiment. Beyond official channels, social media influencers such as Wassana Nanuam have echoed these falsehoods, amplifying anger and misleading the Thai public. This is not journalism, nor is it patriotism—it is propaganda designed to divide.
Such conduct directly violates the principles both governments committed to during the General Border Committee (GBC) meetings on 7 August and 10 September. At those meetings, Cambodia and Thailand agreed that spreading false information and disinformation must stop in order to de-escalate tensions and secure a lasting ceasefire. Cambodia has fully respected this principle. Thailand, however, has allowed its spokesmen and influencers to disregard it, undermining not only the ceasefire but also Thailand’s own credibility.
This is reckless and dangerous. When official voices and media personalities weaponize narratives, they risk turning controlled tensions into uncontrolled escalation. They betray the spirit of dialogue and cooperation that is the only path forward for both nations.
Cambodia does not seek confrontation. Cambodia’s position is clear: disputes must be resolved through dialogue, international law, and mutual respect—not through deception, manipulation, or threats.
Cambodia therefore appeals directly to the spokesmen of the Thai Army and to influencers like Wassana Nanuam: stop manufacturing falsehoods, stop misleading your own citizens, and stop fueling unnecessary conflict. Cambodia urges all actors to honor the truth and respect the principles agreed at the GBC meetings.
The world must see through these distortion campaigns. False information and incitement only serve those who seek to gain short-term political advantage at the expense of long-term stability. Cambodia, by contrast, has shown patience, discipline, and respect for peace.
It is now vital that the international community—ASEAN, the United Nations, and global media—recognize Cambodia’s adherence to the ceasefire and call out those who violate it. Peace cannot be built on lies. Only through truth, mutual respect, and sincere dialogue can the border become not a line of division, but a bridge of cooperation.
Cambodia has chosen peace. Thailand should do the same.
Roth Santepheap is geopolitical analyst based in Phnom Penh. The views expressed are his own.
-Khmer Times-
