Cambodia vs Thailand: Peace and Law Against Provocation and Force
Photo: Thai armed forces clear Cambodian villagers’ fields in Prey Chan village, Banteat Meanchey province, on October 10. Supplied
-Opinion-
Across the Cambodia-Thailand border, a stark contrast has emerged — one the international community cannot ignore. Cambodia, guided by law, history and the welfare of its people, seeks peace and justice. Thailand, by contrast, repeatedly chooses provocation, force and historical distortion over dialogue and law.
For decades, Cambodia has acted with restraint, relying on internationally recognised mechanisms to resolve disputes. We invited Thailand to bring territorial claims to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), using maps preserved at the UN and respecting all international protocols. Thailand refuses, insisting on unilateral claims using self-drawn maps and mocking the principles of law and diplomacy.
Cambodia welcomes ceasefires, mediators and dialogue. Thailand boasts of advanced weapons, incites war sentiment among its people and uses psychological tactics that harm civilians, including broadcasting haunting sounds to frighten the sick, elderly, children and persons with disabilities. Cambodia responds with patience, protective measures and humanity.
Thailand’s aggression goes beyond the battlefield. It claims Cambodian land and centuries-old temples, such as Preah Vihear, which predate modern Thailand. It employs tear gas, rubber slingshots and mocks displaced Cambodian families. Cambodia, in contrast, stands firm on truth and respect.
This is more than a border dispute — it is a test of values. Cambodia chooses law over force, peace over provocation and humanity over hubris. Thailand chooses weapons, intimidation and historical revisionism. The world must recognise which side seeks justice and which seeks aggression.
The international community must act. Cambodia has shown restraint, patience and unwavering commitment to international law. Thailand has shown contempt for rules, humanity and historical truth. Civilians’ safety, regional stability and respect for international norms are at stake. Silence is not an option.
The choice is clear: Cambodia represents the path of peace and law. Thailand represents the path of provocation and force. The world must hold lawless actions accountable and support the cause of truth, justice, and humanity in Cambodia.
Email. Israelsopheap@gmail.com
Neang Sopheap is a Phnom Penh-based analyst. The views and opinions expressed are his own.
-The Phnom Penh Post-
