Thailand Must Step Back From the Brink: Preparing an Attack on Cambodia Is a Direct Violation of the Peace Accord

Thailand Must Step Back From the Brink: Preparing an Attack on Cambodia Is a Direct Violation of the Peace Accord

-Opinion-

Reports from reliable and credible sources circulated on media and social media this evening indicate that on 18 November, Thai military have plans for an attack on Cambodian positions in the O’Phluk Damrey and Thmar Da areas of Pursat Province. If these reports are verified—and all early indicators point in that direction—Thailand will have committed a grave breach of the October 26 Joint Declaration, the U.S.-brokered peace accord negotiated with the direct involvement of President Donald Trump.

Such a move would not simply be another border skirmish. It would be a deliberate, premeditated violation of a ceasefire that Thailand voluntarily signed. It would also represent a betrayal of Thailand’s promise to the international community, especially to the United States, which invested its diplomatic capital to prevent further violence and ensure stability along one of Southeast Asia’s most sensitive frontiers.

A Violation of Trust—and Treaty Obligations
The October 26 Joint Declaration was not an ordinary diplomatic gesture. It was a binding political commitment—endorsed by both Bangkok and Phnom Penh—to end hostilities, withdraw heavy weapons, and allow neutral monitoring by ASEAN observers. Cambodia respected these commitments. Thailand gave the same promise in front of a global audience.

If Thailand has indeed prepared offensive operations at O’Phluk Damrey and Thmar Da, then Bangkok has chosen to ignore, disrespect, and violate the very principles it agreed to uphold. This is not an issue of minor border adjustments. This is a question of international credibility.

For Thailand—a nation that prides itself on regional leadership—breaking its word so quickly and blatantly damages its reputation more than any foreign adversary could.

A Disrespect to President Trump’s Mediation
The October 26 peace accord did not materialize out of thin air; it was the result of intensive U.S. diplomatic pressure. President Trump personally urged both sides to stop escalation and come to the table in Kuala Lumpur. Thailand agreed, in part, because Washington’s message was clear: peace is in Thailand’s national interest.

If Bangkok now turns around and prepares an attack, it is effectively telling the White House, the U.S. Congress, and the entire American strategic establishment that Thailand’s signature—and its promises—cannot be trusted. No responsible Thai leader should risk that diplomatic humiliation.

The Thai Public Deserves the Truth
The Thai people have been told repeatedly that Thailand seeks peace and stability. If military leaders are now secretly preparing offensive operations, they owe their citizens an explanation. Why risk Thai lives? Why provoke conflict when peaceful mechanisms exist? Why violate a ceasefire that Thailand itself endorsed?

Thailand deserves leadership that prioritizes peace over provocation, diplomacy over deception, and national interest over military adventurism.

Respecting International Law Is the Only Path Forward
Cambodia has remained consistent: border issues must be resolved through peaceful means, through treaties, and through international law—not through unilateral claims or military action. This position aligns with global norms and ASEAN principles.

If the reports of Thai attack plans are confirmed, the international community will see clearly who wants peace and who is choosing escalation.

A Final Warning—and a Call for Restraint
Thailand stands at a crossroads. One path leads to renewed conflict, diplomatic isolation, and loss of trust with the United States. The other leads back to the commitments Thailand made on October 26: withdraw forces, respect the ceasefire, and resolve disputes peacefully. The region is watching. Washington is watching. The world is watching.

For Thailand’s own dignity, security, and future, Bangkok must step back from the brink—before it makes a mistake that will echo through history.

Samneang Chetra, Political Analyst based in Phnom Penh.

-Khmer Times-