Thai ‘conditions for peace’ laughable in face of aggression

[Youk Chhang, director of the Documentation Center of Cambodia (DC-Cam). Supplied]

[Opinion]

Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Balankura has stated that Thailand requires three conditions before it will conduct peace negotiations: (1) Cambodia must publicly announce a ceasefire; (2) the ceasefire must take place and hold; and (3) Cambodia must sincerely cooperate in demining efforts.

My response to these conditions is simple: Vague conditions for peace while continuing to unjustifiably attack civilian populations of a neighbouring state make a mockery of international law.

As a party to the US-brokered ceasefire, Thailand is obligated to cease all hostilities and actions in violation of this agreement. Since agreeing to this ceasefire, Thailand’s military has taken actions completely contrary to the letter and spirit of the ceasefire.

Thailand has increased the intensity of its aggression including ground assaults into Cambodian territory, aerial strikes and artillery bombardment, and it has expanded the number of Cambodian provinces that have been attacked — causing extraordinary casualties and suffering on innocent Cambodian civilians.

This is not the reasonable actions of a mature state seeking to defend itself, these are the actions of a belligerent nation that seeks to unlawfully seize the territory of a peaceful country in defiance of international law.

The world will take little note of Thailand’s vague conditions for peace, but will long remember Thailand’s unjustified aggression toward and illegitimate claims on the sovereign nation of Cambodia.

Youk Chhang is director of the Documentation Center of Cambodia (DC-Cam). The views and opinions expressed are his own.

-The Phnom Penh Post-