Thai ‘peacemaker’ claims a distraction
Thai foreign minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow’s appearance in France 24 has spurred comment from the DC-Cam director. Supplied
As much as Thailand struggles to twist the narrative, the country cannot hold itself as a peacemaker to other countries in the region, like Myanmar, while its army occupies the territory of its neighbour in violation of international law and a mutually agreed upon ceasefire agreement.
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow’s statements to the French press are enlightening with respect to Thailand’s concerns with Cambodia’s “internationalisation” of the conflict.
Just like with school kids on a playground, when one country bullies another, the bully does not want the intervention of outsiders.
Thailand’s struggle to keep the US and other countries out of the conflict echoes the same struggle Thailand encountered in the early 20th century and in the end of World War II, where it sought to prevent France and the US from blocking its capture of Cambodian lands.
The past may not repeat itself, but it always serves as a prologue.
Youk Chhang is director of the Documentation Center of Cambodia (DC-Cam). The views and opinions expressed are his own.
-Phnom Penh Post-
———————
