Kin Phea: Thai ‘message of peace’ welcomed, but Cambodia stresses need for justice
Kin Phea, director-general of the International Relations Institute of Cambodia, welcomed a gesture from Thai veteran journalist Pravit Rojanaphruk, but cautioned that lasting peace cannot be separated from historical realities and unresolved grievances. Rojanaphruk
#National
A message of solidarity from a Thai journalist and peace advocate has drawn a measured but firm response from a Cambodian policy expert, underscoring both growing calls for reconciliation and the enduring sensitivities surrounding past border tensions.
Veteran Thai journalist Pravit Rojanaphruk reached out to his Cambodian counterparts with a message aimed at easing tensions, assuring them that segments of Thai society continue to push for peaceful coexistence between the two neighbours.
Writing from Bangkok, Pravit described covering an anti-war demonstration at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, where protesters denounced recent international conflicts and called for non-violence.
He shared a booklet produced by demonstrators, describing it as a “labour of love and peace”, and urged efforts to prevent what he termed a potential “Round 3 of the senseless conflict” between Thailand and Cambodia.
“To my Cambodian neighbours, rest assured that some Thais are still fighting for a lasting peace between our two nations,” he said.
The message reflects a strand of Thai civil society increasingly vocal about de-escalation and regional stability, particularly amid broader geopolitical tensions.
Kin Phea, director-general of the International Relations Institute of Cambodia, responded by welcoming the gesture, while cautioning that lasting peace cannot be separated from historical realities and unresolved grievances.
“It is heartening to know there are those in Bangkok still championing a peaceful path,” he said, adding however, that “for a lasting peace to take root, we must also acknowledge the deep pain and suffering that remains in the hearts of many Cambodians”.
He pointed to the legacy of past military incursions, saying these events had left “more than just political tension”, with many families still affected by the destruction of homes and livelihoods.
“These are not just statistics; they are the lost livelihoods and broken security of innocent people,” he said.
Phea reiterated that Cambodia seeks “nothing more than peace and genuine friendship with all our neighbours”, but stressed that such a future must be grounded in clear principles.
“Diplomacy is the only way forward,” he said, adding that “guns and force cannot redraw borders or create stability”.
He also highlighted the importance of internationally recognised legal frameworks, including treaties, agreements and maps, as the basis for resolving disputes and preventing future conflict.
“Peace must be anchored in internationally recognised conventions,” he said.
At the same time, Phea underscored the inescapable geographic reality binding the two countries together.
“Neither Thailand nor Cambodia can move away from one another. We are destined to be neighbours, so we must choose to be partners,” he said.
While welcoming the Thai activist’s peace initiative, he added that reconciliation efforts must be built on “truth, accountability and a mutual respect for sovereignty”.
The exchange highlights a broader dynamic in Thai-Cambodian relations, where civil society outreach and calls for reconciliation are gaining traction, even as official and academic voices emphasise the need to address historical grievances and uphold legal clarity.
For now, both messages point to a shared objective — avoiding further conflict — while revealing the differing emphases that continue to define the path toward lasting peace.
-Phnom Penh Post-
