Civilian toll belies Thai ‘professionalism’ claims, says minister

Destruction of an ancient temple resulting from Thai military aggression against Cambodia. KT/Khem Sovannara

Synopsis: Information Minister Neth Pheaktra calls on Thailand to allow displaced Cambodians to return home, resume border demarcation through established bilateral mechanisms.

Civilian casualties, destruction and mass displacement from Thai military operations against Cambodia contradict Bangkok’s claims of professionalism and respect for international law, Information Minister Neth Pheaktra said.

In a statement, Pheaktra said repeated denials and references to terms such as professionalism, necessity and proportionality cannot alter the reality on the ground.

“There is a Cambodian saying: ‘The more one lies, the more one defeats oneself.’ Repeated lies, denials and distortions of the truth cannot turn wrongdoing into right,” he said.

Pheaktra said the Thai military launched attacks against Cambodia during two rounds of hostilities last year in July and December – events he added cannot be erased from history.

The fighting affected civilian infrastructure, including pagodas, ancient temples, homes, schools, hospitals, bridges and roads, he said.

Pheaktra questioned the Thai military’s definition of professionalism when civilians and public infrastructure were targets.

“If the Thai military truly conducted its operations professionally, why did 32 Cambodian civilians lose their lives and nearly 100 others suffer injuries?” he said.

He added that approximately 650,000 people were displaced at the height of the crisis, with more than 20,000 civilians still unable to return to their villages.

“This is not a rhetorical question. It is a question of accountability,” he said.

Pheaktra called on Thailand to demonstrate respect for international law through actions, including removing barricades of shipping containers and barbed wire, reopening access routes and ending measures that prevent displaced civilians from returning home.

“The right of displaced persons to return to their homes in safety, voluntarily and with dignity is not a favour that any party may grant or withhold at will,” he said.

Thailand should implement the commitments made under the 27 December 2025 Joint Statement and advance border survey and demarcation through agreed mechanisms, he said.

Pheaktra added that boundary settlements must rely on valid legal instruments, including the 1904 Franco-Siamese Convention and the 1907 Franco-Siamese Treaty.

“A map unilaterally drawn by one party cannot replace treaties, cannot by itself create sovereignty and cannot transform another country’s territory into its own,” he said.

Professionalism should be demonstrated through conduct, including transparency, accountability and respect for international law, he said.

“Law must be implemented, not merely displayed in press statements,” he added.

Pheaktra said claims of respect for international law cannot erase evidence of casualties, damaged infrastructure and continued displacement.

“Truth does not fear denial. Evidence does not disappear because of a press statement, and law cannot be replaced by falsehoods,” he said.

Any commitment to peace must begin by allowing displaced civilians to return home, he added.

“In the end, evidence carries more weight than denial, actions matter more than words and truth will always outlive a lie,” he said. – Khmer Times-