Hun Manet’s Bold Truth: Defending Cambodia Against Military Might and Deception
Prime Miniter Hun Manet speaks to Reuters on February 18. Screenshot
#opinion
Most leaders stay cautious in tense moments, letting power and fear shape the narrative. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stands apart. In a recent interview with Reuters, he spoke with clarity and courage, putting facts above politics and truth above intimidation.
“We still have Thai forces occupying deep into Cambodian territory in many areas. This is further beyond even Thailand’s own unilateral claim line, border line. Also, certain activities that have been conducted by Thai troops — I guess the laying of containers and barbed wire to block the roads — have caused hardship to our people. We have about 80,000 people displaced, unable to go home now because of the blockage. This is not an accusation, but it’s a statement of the facts on the ground,” Manet said.
His words reveal the human cost of Thailand’s unlawful occupation. Tens of thousands of Cambodians remain displaced, blocked from their homes by containers and barbed wire, while communities and trade along the border are paralysed. This is not a dispute on paper — it is real suffering inflicted by military might.
Thailand’s actions reflect a dangerous belief: that wealth, military strength and nationalism can justify occupying foreign land and ignoring international norms. But sovereignty is not claimed by force or dictated by power. Borders are defined by treaties, law and facts, not by guns or political posturing.
Manet’s courage stands out. While others might stay silent under pressure, he speaks truth plainly, calling attention to injustice and giving voice to the displaced. He does not rely on empty rhetoric or nationalist appeals. He shows that leadership is measured not by who shouts the loudest, but by who stands firmly on truth.
Temporary military power cannot erase reality. Maps can be drawn, troops can occupy land and razor wire can block villages, but facts endure. Manet reminded the world that unlawful occupation carries a human cost and cannot be hidden. Thailand now faces a choice: continue using force to assert control, or recognise that sovereignty, law and justice cannot be ignored.
When truth is spoken, as Hun Manet has done, it prevails. Power may intimidate, nationalism may inflame, but facts endure, and justice over lies will ultimately triumph.
Neang Sopheap is a Phnom Penh-based geopolitical analyst. The views and opinions expressed are his own.
-Phnom Penh Post-
———————
