Statement of Personal Views Regarding Recent Remarks by Thai Foreign Minister
The Thai foreign minister has claimed that several Cambodian villages are in fact, on Thai soil. Supplied
#Op-Ed
In response to the recent remarks made by Thai foreign minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow during an interview with France 24, I, Tesh Chanthorn, would like to express my personal views as a concerned citizen who values peace, law and mutual respect between neighbouring countries.
If Thailand maintains that the areas where razor razor wire has been installed and containers have been placed are entirely within Thai territory, I respectfully question why the official maps and legal foundations established under the Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1904 and the Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907 were not fully relied upon in discussions with Cambodia.
From my understanding, these treaties clearly defined the boundaries between Siam and Cambodia and were accompanied by official maps that have long been referenced in international legal and diplomatic contexts. If there are differences in interpretation or demarcation, international law provides peaceful mechanisms to address such matters.
Institutions such as the International Court of Justice exist specifically to help nations resolve disputes according to law rather than through unilateral actions.
I acknowledge Thailand’s humanitarian assistance during the Cambodian conflict and recognise that such actions were meaningful during a difficult period. However, in my personal view, humanitarian support does not change internationally recognised borders that were established by treaty.
Furthermore, if Thai authorities were fully aware of this situation for many years, I respectfully wonder why it was not addressed earlier through formal diplomatic channels, bilateral mechanisms or appropriate international legal processes.
According to Sihasak’s statement on France 24, the issue dates back to the Cambodian conflict period, when Thailand opened its borders to approximately 400,000 Cambodian refugees. He claimed that after peace was restored, some villagers did not return to their original areas, and therefore Thailand’s recent actions are not beyond its own territory.
However, if this situation has existed for decades, I personally believe it would have been better to resolve it through transparent dialogue and legal clarification long ago, rather than through measures that may create tension or misunderstanding today.
As a concerned citizen, I respectfully ask:
• Why not rely fully on the legally recognised treaties and official maps?
• Why not prioritise dialogue and international legal mechanisms to prevent escalation?
In my view, border issues should always be addressed through law, diplomacy and mutual respect. Peaceful resolution strengthens regional stability and preserves good relations between neighbouring nations.
Respectfully,
Tesh Chanthorn
Tesh Chanthorn is a Cambodian citizen who longs for peace. The views and opinions expressed are his own.
-Phnom Penh Post-
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