The World Cannot Stay Silent While Cambodian Civilians Bleed

[These Cambodian homes were reportedly destroyed by Thai shelling in Kok Romiet commune, Thma Puok district, Oddar Meanchey province on December 14. FB Om Layom]

[Opinion] As of December 15, 13 innocent Cambodian civilians have been killed, at least 74 injured, and nearly half a million displaced by relentless attacks from the Thai military using advanced heavy weapons, including F-16 fighter jets.

Despite repeated ceasefire calls from Cambodia, appeals from US President Donald Trump, and urgent international calls for dialogue, Thailand continues to bomb civilian areas, showing total disregard for human life and international law.

Cambodia does not provoke conflict. Its people have no modern military arsenal, yet they are paying the heaviest price. Homes, schools, hospitals, bridges and essential infrastructure have been destroyed. Families are torn apart. Children live in fear and cannot return to school.

The silence of the world is deafening. Humanitarian pleas go unanswered. Urgent calls for intervention are ignored. The international community must act immediately to halt this violence and hold the aggressors accountable.

Peace is not a slogan. It is the basic right of every Cambodian civilian. Cambodia welcomes dialogue and seeks a peaceful resolution, but when innocent lives are under attack, patience has limits. Global powers, international organisations and human rights institutions must step in to protect the vulnerable and stop the bloodshed.

The international community has a moral and legal responsibility to prevent further atrocities. Standing by as civilians are killed and displaced undermines the very principles of justice and humanity. Immediate action, pressure on aggressors and protection for civilians are not optional; they are imperative.

The time to act is now. Cambodian civilians cannot wait any longer.

Neang Sopheap is a Phnom Penh-based analyst. The views and opinions expressed are his own.

-The Phnom Penh Post-