Truth Always Defeats Lies: The World No Longer Believes Thailand’s Military Deception
[An injured villager is taken from the scene of the November 12 shooting in Prey Chan village. AKP]
-Opinion-
For too long, the Thai Army and its government spokespeople have relied on lies to manipulate both their own people and the international community. Every time a border clash occurs or an incident happens involving civilians, Thailand’s military rushes to fabricate stories—portraying themselves as victims while concealing their aggression and dishonesty. But that era of deception is coming to an end. The world has learned the truth, and no one believes the Thai army’s lies anymore.
The recent killing of a Cambodian civilian near Banteay Meanchey province once again exposes the dark pattern of Thai military behavior: shooting first, lying later. Instead of admitting responsibility, they quickly released a misleading statement blaming “accidents,” “landmines,” or “misunderstandings.” Yet evidence from the ground—documented by neutral observers and local witnesses—proves that the gunfire came from Thai soldiers. Their lies collapse under the weight of facts.
Even Thailand’s own media, including Khaosod English, has raised complaints urging the Thai government and army to stop misleading the public and to tell the truth with rightful accountability. This rare call from within Thailand itself reflects the growing frustration among honest journalists who refuse to be part of the deception.
This is not new. The Thai army has a long history of twisting reality, from border conflicts with Cambodia to domestic crackdowns against their own citizens. Their propaganda machine feeds their people false narratives about “defense” and “national dignity,” while hiding the truth of violence and human rights abuses. The Thai Foreign Ministry and military spokesmen have turned lying into an institutional habit—each press conference scripted to defend the indefensible.
But in today’s world, truth travels faster than propaganda. International observers, journalists, and civil society can verify information instantly. Photos, videos, and witness testimonies expose every fabricated claim. When Thailand’s government says one thing, and evidence shows another, the world can see who the liar really is. The Thai army’s credibility is now shattered—not by anyone else’s words, but by their own repeated dishonesty.
The tragedy is that the biggest victims of this deception are not only Cambodians suffering from border aggression, but also the Thai people themselves. They have been misled by their government for generations, told to believe in false glory and false enemies. A nation built on lies cannot sustain dignity, and a military that hides behind deception cannot command true respect.
Cambodia’s message is clear: stop lying, speak the truth, and take responsibility. Admit your wrongdoing when innocent lives are lost. The world respects honesty, not hypocrisy. The Thai army must learn that truth is not a weakness—it is the foundation of peace and mutual respect between nations.
Thailand’s generals may continue to speak with polished words, but the world is no longer listening. Lies can only fool people for a time; truth endures forever. And today, the truth stands with Cambodia.
Roth Santepheap is a geopolitical analyst based in Phnom Penh. The views expressed are his own.
-Khmer Times-
