Cambodia Must Focus on Root Causes of Thai Aggression

[DC-Cam staff posed for photo at a border pillar in Stung Treng province. Ly David]

-Opinion-

It is important to remember the maxim that war is merely “a continuation of politics by other means”. Before Cambodians can decide how best to face a Thailand that appears bent on armed conflict, we must first understand what objectives Thailand can achieve through war, and why fighting appears more attractive to Thailand than peace.

Of course, Thailand’s obvious objectives are to secure Cambodian territory and extend greater control over its borders with Cambodia. But this is not the only goal.

There are reasons to believe that the acquisition of territory is merely a symptom of a larger issue. The current political situation in Thailand is one marked by significant internal struggle and instability. The ongoing conflict reflects deep-rooted divisions between the conservative military-royalist elite, influential judicial institutions and populist forces that do not appreciate the status quo.

Cambodia can certainly respond to the symptoms of this struggle but to truly rise above the problem, Cambodia must exercise strategic leadership and maintain its focus on the root causes rather than just the symptoms of problems.

Youk Chhang is director of Documentation Center of Cambodia. The views and opinions expressed are his own.

-The Phnom Penh Post-