Cambodia’s Suffering Cannot Be Ignored — The World Must Act

Cambodian-Americans protest the continued fighting, in front of the White House on December 21. Supplied

#Opinion

I, Tesh Chanthorn, speak today with a heavy heart and a deep sense of injustice. Cambodia is facing a crisis that strikes at the core of our sovereignty, dignity and national identity. Thai military forces have crossed into Cambodian territory, carried out attacks and justified their actions with explanations that do not match the reality on the ground. These are not small misunderstandings — they are violations.

Thailand claims “self-defence”.

Thailand claims “anti–online gambling operations”.

Thailand declares a unilateral ceasefire after violating our border and expects Cambodia to quietly accept it.

For Cambodians, these layers of contradiction are not just political games — they are wounds.

We are confronted by a pattern that is both heartbreaking and unjust:

When Cambodia stays patient, we are dismissed as weak.
When we defend ourselves, we are accused of starting the conflict.
When we ask for verification, justice, and accountability, the world tells us to “wait.”
But how long must Cambodia wait?

How many violations must we tolerate before the world decides our suffering matters?

A Message to the International Community

For too long, Cambodia’s calls for help have been met with caution, silence or delayed statements. Major powers, regional organisations, and those who claim to defend international law have watched the situation unfold as if Cambodia’s sovereignty is less urgent than others.

I must ask, openly and honestly:

Where is the timely action?

Where is the equal protection of small nations?

Why must Cambodia endure repeated injustices before the world speaks?

The crisis at the Cambodia–Thailand border is not just a regional problem — it is a test of whether international principles apply equally to all nations, big or small.

Cambodia Deserves Better

Cambodia does not seek conflict. Cambodia does not seek escalation. Cambodia seeks only what every nation is entitled to:

Respect for its borders
Protection of its sovereignty
• Fair treatment under international law
Yet we have been pressured to accept explanations that dismiss our pain and to accept ceasefires that ignore the truth of what occurred on our land.

I call on the international community, especially superpower nations, to stop observing from afar and to take meaningful steps toward ensuring transparency, accountability and a peaceful resolution. Cambodia’s suffering should not be allowed to continue in silence or be overshadowed by political convenience.

The world must not wait until the damage becomes irreversible.

Cambodia deserves timely action — not sympathy after the fact.

Tesh Chanthorn is a Cambodian citizen who longs for peace. The views and opinions expressed are his own.

-The Phnom Penh Post-