Blood on the Border: Thailand Breaks Its Promise, Cambodia Mourns Another Innocent Life
[A single abandoned flip-flop marks the scene where Thai soldiers fired on Cambodian civilians, while a bullet hole demonstrates the effects of live rounds. Supplied]
-Opinion-
A Ceasefire on Paper, Bullets on the Ground
The ceasefire agreement signed in Kuala Lumpur on October 26 by the prime ministers of Cambodia and Thailand, witnessed by the prime minister of Malaysia and the president of the United States, was meant to mark a turning point.
In that historic Joint Declaration, both Cambodia and Thailand reaffirmed their commitment to:
Refrain from the threat or use of force
Avoid provocation
Protect civilians
Implement confidence-building measures
Respect international law and territorial integrity
Coordinate humanitarian demining
Promote peace, trust, and stability on the border
Yet Thailand has violated every single principle it signed. And on 12 November 2025, these violations took a deadly turn.
A Cambodian civilian shot dead — A crime, not a mistake
At Prey Chan village, in Banteay Meanchey, Thai soldiers opened fire on Cambodian civilians.
One innocent Cambodian was killed instantly. Three more were severely injured.
No warning. No justification. No humanity.
This was not an accident — it was an atrocity, committed in direct breach of the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration, the ASEAN Charter and the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law.
The Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and international Cooperation condemned the attack as a serious violation of sovereignty, territorial integrity and international legal obligations.
Once again, Thailand has shown the world that agreements mean nothing when ambition speaks louder than honour.
A pattern of violations — Not the first time, not a mistake
This shooting is not an isolated event. It is part of a consistent pattern.
After signing the July 28 ceasefire, Thailand continued provocations, detaining 18 Cambodian soldiers the day after the ceasefire. After the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration on October 26, Thailand again escalated tensions.
Then, on November 12, they committed a deadly act against unarmed civilians.
This is not coincidence — it is a strategy.
For months, Thailand has tried to create anger, provoke retaliation, and push Cambodia into firing the first shot. They want Cambodia to appear as the aggressor. But Cambodia has refused to fall into this trap.
Cambodian soldiers have obeyed the law. Cambodian forces have respected the ceasefire. Cambodia has held firm to the principles of peace, restraint, and international legality — even under relentless provocation.
This discipline is our strength. This patience is our dignity.
The unforgettable pain: Crimes against humanity
The shooting of civilians is a war crime. The deliberate targeting of innocent villagers by a national army is a violation of the Geneva Conventions, the UN Charter and ASEAN norms of peaceful coexistence.
The unforgettable pain inflicted on Cambodian families is more than a tragedy — it is a crime against humanity. The Siamese government and military have shown the world their willingness to shoot civilians, move border markers, create false narratives, violate ceasefires and break signed agreements, even those witnessed by the ASEAN chair and the US president.
No nation committed to peace behaves like this.
The joint declaration: A broken promise
The Joint Declaration signed on 26 October 2025 was clear.
Thailand promised no more force. No more provocation. No more false information.
It swore to support the protection of civilians, deescalation under ASEAN supervision, and the restoration of trust and mutual respect, as well as the release of all prisoners.
Despite these promises, Thailand has violated these commitments repeatedly.
Shooting civilians is the ultimate proof that Thailand has broken its word, dishonoured its signature and betrayed the path of peace.
A nation that signs peace in front of the world and returns home to fire bullets into a neighbour’s village has exposed its true intentions.
A call to the world: Condemn the heinous acts of Siam
Silence is no longer an option.
The world must condemn the heinous acts of the Siamese government and military. Humanity must stand with Cambodia. Justice must speak louder than lies.
From one corner of the world to another, the truth is spreading. A nation that hides behind propaganda cannot escape the light forever. The fake stories, the staged performances, the diplomatic masks — all will fall.
Cambodia asks the global community to call these actions what they are: war crimes.
To support an independent investigation under ASEAN and the UN and hold the perpetrators accountable. To demand the protection of innocent civilians and the safeguarding of peace in Southeast Asia.
The blood spilled in Prey Chan is not just Cambodia’s tragedy. It is a grave wound to international law and human dignity.
Cambodia will not be provoked — We stand for peace
Despite everything — the slingshots, the poison powder, the shifting barbed wire, the hostage soldiers and now civilian deaths — Cambodia remains committed to peace.
We will not fire the first shot. We will not violate international law. We will not abandon the moral high ground.
Cambodia stands with dignity. Cambodia stands with truth. Cambodia stands for peace — even when provoked beyond measure.
The cruelty of Siam will be remembered.
The patience of Cambodia will be respected.
Dr. Thourn Sinan is a spiritual and tourism specialist. The views and opinions expressed are his own.
-The Phnom Penh Post-
