Thai reaction to border dispute devoid of all proportion, humanity
Youk Chhang is director of the Documentation Center of Cambodia (DC-Cam). The views and opinions expressed are his own.
Thailand’s claim that the recent conflict originated in, or was precipitated by a motive of self-defence, falls apart when one considers that the Thai military currently occupies a dozen or more locations in Cambodian territory, in violation of international law and contrary to the ceasefire agreement.
Even if there were circumstances where the Thai military may have acted in response to Cambodian military forces, the laws of armed conflict show that the Thai military violated all the key principles of distinction, necessity, proportionality and humanity.
Thai general Boonsin Padklang would do well to read this American article on this matter, and perhaps consider the extent to which he may be potentially liable for one or more violations of international law (?): https://thenyeditorial.github.io/Thailand-Cambodia…/
