Cambodia Is Not Your Colony: Thailand Must Stop Acting Like a Global Superpower

Photo: Thai armed forces clear Cambodian villagers’ fields in Prey Chan village, Banteat Meanchey province, on October 10. Supplied

-Opinion-
What we are witnessing between Thailand and Cambodia is nothing short of absurd. As a Cambodian, I find it outrageous that Thailand has the audacity to set conditions for Cambodia to follow, after they violated our sovereignty. It’s completely backwards. Thailand invades our territory, escalates military tensions and then demands we comply with their terms? It’s not just insulting — it’s laughable.

Imagine someone storms into your house, forces you out and then says you have to live by their rules or else you lose your home for good. Since when does the invader get to act like the victim and set the conditions?”

Thailand is not a superpower. It’s time they were reminded of that. You don’t get to act as a regional policeman while ignoring international laws. Cambodia is sovereign. We may be smaller, but we are not weak — and certainly not under Thailand’s control. The arrogance of Thai leaders issuing ultimatums to a neighbour they violated is dangerous, irresponsible and disrespectful.

Let’s look at Thailand’s so-called “four conditions”:

First, they demand that Cambodia withdraw heavy weapons — even though Thailand sent armed forces across the border.

Second, they insist that Cambodia crack down on cross-border scammers — as if that justifies military aggression.

Third, they demand guarantees for Thai citizens’ safety — fair in theory, but empty from a country escalating conflict.

Finally, they threaten “measures” if Cambodia doesn’t act by an unspecified deadline. What measures? More threats? More blame-shifting?

When Thailand’s Prime Minister says, “It’s just a phone call to implement the four conditions”, it shows how Thailand views this — as if Cambodia has no voice, rights or dignity. This is coercion, not diplomacy.

US President Donald Trump’s offer to mediate is welcome, but peace must be based on facts and equality. Thailand is spinning a narrative that paints Cambodia as the problem, when in reality, we are defending our borders, our people and our sovereignty.

To Thailand: enough with the superiority complex. You are not above the law and cannot bully your neighbours. Respect us as you demand respect. This power play has no place in 2025. Cambodia deserves peace, not conditions; dialogue, not demands; and to be heard, not dictated to.

The world is watching. The region is watching. And we, the people of Cambodia, will not stay silent while you rewrite the truth.

Email. Israelsopheap@gmail.com

Neang Sopheap is a Phnom Penh-based analyst. The views and opinions expressed are his own.

-The Phnom Penh Post-