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…
Author: Guest Writer
Thailand’s claim that the recent conflict originated in, or was precipitated by a motive of self-defence, falls apart when one considers that the Thai military currently occupies a dozen or more locations in Cambodian territory, in violation of international law and contrary to the ceasefire agreement. Even if there were circumstances where the Thai military may have acted in response to Cambodian military forces, the laws of armed conflict show that the Thai military violated all the key principles of distinction, necessity, proportionality and humanity. Thai general Boonsin Padklang would do well to read this American article on this matter,…
Four years ago, on February 24, 2022, Russia launched the special military operation (SMO), with its objectives remaining unchanged: to protect the population of Donbas and to demilitarise and denazify Ukraine. In the context of understanding the root causes of the conflict, another date is also important: February 18 marked the 12th anniversary of the Western-instigated and -financed “Euromaidan” in Kiev, which became the precursor to the unconstitutional coup in Ukraine and triggered security crisis in Europe. It should not be forgotten that at that time Germany, Poland and France were guarantors of the agreement between the legally elected President…
A recent exchange of friendly social media messages between South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet marks a pivotal moment in bilateral relations, far surpassing routine diplomatic gestures. This interaction, centred on addressing the pervasive issue of “online scams” — a global threat that has plagued societies worldwide — exemplifies how public diplomacy can convert potential conflict into meaningful collaboration. In an era where digital crimes transcend borders, this leadership-level dialogue underscores a commitment to mutual trust and shared goals, setting a model for international partnerships. For years, online scams have inflicted deep wounds on both…
Cambodia’s growing relationship with the US is important not only for its potential economic opportunities but also the opportunities to build pathways of civil society exchange, an important lever for mutual prosperity in economic, political and social spheres of international relations. Notwithstanding the importance of what has been achieved in this growing relationship, there remains significant opportunity and need for faster and more comprehensive cooperation and partnership. Some clarification is also required over an earlier comment by US President Donald Trump. His use of the word “nasty” was an informal way to describe how brutal the conflict between Cambodian and…
Through extensive research, observation of social dynamics and engagement in leadership training, I have come to recognise that leadership transcends the confines of institutional management; it represents a pivotal discipline that significantly influences the trajectory of society. When analysing social issues through the lens of leadership, we begin to perceive them not as isolated incidents or individual failings but as “systemic crises” necessitating solutions rooted in wisdom and accountability. As an advocate for democracy and value-based leadership, I would like to emphasise three critical perspectives: The well-being of a nation depends on the quality of its leadership We often interpret…
The Philippines is the chairman of the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) this year, under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together”. There are a plethora of issues that it has to navigate, on the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, particularly safeguarding ASEAN’s central role amid an increasingly competitive and contested strategic landscape, maritime cooperation, Myanmar’s reform efforts, the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict and artificial intelligence (AI). ASEAN’s 11th member, Timor Leste, joined the Asean bloc last year. The Philippines will help to assimilate them by providing guidance. Both nations are largely Catholic, and this shared…
In Massachusetts, a State Senate race is drawing attention far beyond a single district. It is not only competitive. It is historic. Republican candidate Sam Meas is seeking election to the Massachusetts State Senate in what could become a milestone for Cambodian American political leadership. If elected, he would become the first Cambodian American Republican State Senator in US history and the highest-ranking Khmer American Republican elected official in the country. Notably, his opponent is also Khmer American. Democrat Vanna Howard, who currently serves in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, is likewise a member of the Cambodian diaspora. Regardless of…
Recent public statements by Cambodia’s head of government regarding the border situation — claiming that Thailand continues to encroach upon Cambodian territory — should not be viewed merely as a domestic political message. In the context of international relations, it is a serious and urgent signal to the global community that the territorial dispute has reached a new turning point, one that demands heightened international attention. As a legal professional and political observer, the key question is: How can Cambodia transform political protest into a legal solution that is effective and internationally recognised? Because in border disputes, political claims alone…
Most leaders stay cautious in tense moments, letting power and fear shape the narrative. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stands apart. In a recent interview with Reuters, he spoke with clarity and courage, putting facts above politics and truth above intimidation. “We still have Thai forces occupying deep into Cambodian territory in many areas. This is further beyond even Thailand’s own unilateral claim line, border line. Also, certain activities that have been conducted by Thai troops — I guess the laying of containers and barbed wire to block the roads — have caused hardship to our people. We have about…