As tensions rise again along the Thailand–Cambodia border in 2025, many in the international community view the clashes as yet another territorial dispute over ancient temples and drawn lines on a map. But this narrative misses the point entirely. This is not simply a war between two nations. It is a war rooted in Thai internal politics, sustained by historical erasure and waged through the systematic exploitation and suppression of Khmer identity. To understand this conflict is to see beyond the bullets and borders — and into centuries of silence, denial, and control. Manufactured Conflict, Political Distraction Every time Thailand…
Author: Guest Writer
Cambodian people have a nature of being polite, gentle and honest with those who are truly sincere. Their words and character are the reflection of their nature and the root of their family. To put it simply, we act in accordance with what we say. Cambodian people pass this saying on from one generation to another: Word Reveals Nature; Character Reveals Family Root. Although a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia came into effect on midnight on July 28, peace remains fragile and uncertain in many ways. There have been two worrying and outstanding issues: The unlawful capture of twenty Cambodian…
Dozens of Cambodian civilians have died and thousands more have fled their homes. These figures have been acknowledged by the Ministry of National Defence and reported through national outlets such as Kampuchea Thmey Daily. Cambodian soldiers also remain in Thai custody, days after a ceasefire was signed. These are not interpretations. They are observable truths found in the absence of our men, in the silence from their families, and in the names not yet returned. Yet the Thai government now presents this tragedy as Cambodian aggression. We reject this framing not in anger, but in the name of accuracy. Cambodia did…
It is regrettable that UNESCO’s statement on the protection of heritage in Cambodia and Thailand, particularly with regard to the Preah Vihear Temple, was only issued on July 30, 2025, following the conclusion of the ceasefire. This delayed response has drawn criticism, especially as Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts had publicly condemned the significant damage to the temple as early as July 24. The UN secretary-general had also issued a statement addressing the broader conflict prior to the release of UNESCO’s remarks concerning the cultural heritage damage. While UNESCO’s commitment to monitoring cultural heritage sites using satellite imagery…
When the guns fell silent on the night of July 28, 2025, many hoped it marked a turning point at the border. After days of clashes that left soldiers dead, civilians displaced and historic cultural heritage sites severely damaged, Cambodia and Thailand finally agreed to a ceasefire, brokered through urgent regional diplomacy led by Malaysia, with support from the US and China. But behind this fragile momentum, Thailand is playing the long game. They are manipulating the story to project an image of peace, while quietly reversing the truth on the ground. At the recent General Border Committee (GBC) meeting…
Executive Summary This white paper examines the recent announcement by Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai regarding plans to initiate domestic and international legal action against the Kingdom of Cambodia. It provides a legal analysis of Thailand’s jurisdictional standing, evaluates the strength of its claims and outlines strategic legal and diplomatic recommendations for Cambodia to safeguard its national interests. Background On August 6, Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai instructed relevant government departments to prepare legal documents for potential criminal and civil litigation against Cambodia. This announcement follows recent tensions between both nations stemming from border disputes, military movements, and…
When Cambodia announced its intention to nominate Donald Trump, the 45th and 47th President of the US, for the Nobel Peace Prize for helping secure a ceasefire on the Cambodian-Thai border, Thai media erupted in ridicule. Khaosod English, echoing Bangkok’s political sentiment, mocked the move as unnecessary and embarrassing. But ridicule cannot erase reality. Trump’s intervention helped stop bloodshed. His engagement pressured Thailand to finally respect the ceasefire after weeks of cross‑border provocations that risked dragging the region into deeper conflict. Cambodia’s nomination is an expression of gratitude to the figure who helped prevent more lives from being lost —…
As the world watches the escalating conflict along the Cambodia –Thailand border, the temptation is to reduce it to another flare-up in a long-running dispute. But such a view misses the deeper truth, while Thailand has chosen the path of military aggression and provocation, Cambodia has shown remarkable restraint, discipline and strategic maturity. Let us be clear: this is not a balanced conflict. Thailand has used disproportionate force deploying fighter jets, artillery, toxic smoke and even banned cluster munitions. Civilian areas have been devastated. Cultural heritage sites like the sacred Preah Vihear Temple have been endangered. More than 300,000 Cambodian…
A Thai proposal to exclude Cambodia is not just misguided, it’s a warning sign for ASEAN’s moral compass. In times of tension, our region does not need louder threats, it needs clearer principles. That is why recent comments from Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, suggesting that Cambodia could be excluded from the upcoming SEA Games, demand more than quiet dismissal. They demand correction. Let us start with the facts. Cambodia is a full and cooperative member of the SEA Games Federation Council. We are under no sanctions. We have not violated a single rule, nor have we used sport…
In the jungles along the Cambodia–Thailand border, young Thai soldiers have paid the ultimate price — not for honour or country, but for the lies of their own commanders. In a desperate bid to hide military failures and escape the fury of grieving families, Bangkok is weaponising the deaths of its own men to launch a psychological war against Cambodia. Instead of honouring its fallen with dignity, Thailand is turning their corpses into propaganda — a grotesque effort to deflect blame and tarnish Cambodia’s image. On August 4, Thai Deputy Defence Minister Natthapol Nakpanich publicly accused Cambodia of leaving Thai…