Dear Former UNTAC Staff,
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for your dedication and hard work during your mission in Cambodia. Your presence brought hope, peace and compassion to countless individuals and communities during a profoundly challenging period in our nation’s history.
The professionalism, care, and commitment you demonstrated have left a lasting impact on our lives and on Cambodia’s journey toward recovery and reconciliation. I remain deeply grateful for your efforts and the sacrifices you made to help our country rebuild.
Please know that your contributions are remembered and cherished. Cambodia will always be thankful for your service and your role in shaping a more peaceful future for our nation.
With deepest gratitude,
Tesh Chanthorn
Historical Context – 33 Years Ago
After the Paris Peace Accords came into force, UN peacekeeping forces began arriving in Cambodia. The first phase of the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) deployment began in Phnom Penh on March 15, 1992.
At that time, UNTAC was one of the largest peacekeeping operations in UN history, comprising 22,000 personnel from 46 countries — including 12 infantry battalions, military observers, civilian police and support units.
UNTAC Deployment Across Cambodia
Malaysia Battalion (MALBATT) – Pursat province (Phase 1), later Battambang (Phase 2)
Netherlands Battalion (DUTCHBATT) – Battambang (Bavel, Phase 1), later Banteay Meanchey (Phase 2)
Indonesia Battalion (INDOBATT) – Siem Reap (Phase 1), later Kampong Thom (Phase 2), also known as Sector 5 West, where I personally served as an interpreter for the UN Military Observer (UNMO) team
India Battalion (INDIANBATT) – Kampong Cham, Prey Veng and Svay Rieng (Sector 5 East)
France Battalion (FRENCHBATT) – Sihanoukville, Koh Kong, Kampot, and Takeo
Poland (POLOGISTIC) – Responsible for logistics
Germany – Operated a field hospital
Canada (with Russia) – Provided pilots and flight operations
Ghana – Secured the Phnom Penh Special Zone and UNTAC Headquarters
United States – Oversaw flight monitoring and led the UNMO
Australia – Installed radio antennas and managed communications
Uruguay Battalion (URUGUAYBATT) – Kratie, Stung Treng, Mondulkiri, and Ratanakkiri
Bangladesh Battalion (BANBATT) – Siem Reap
Pakistan Battalion (PAKBATT) – Preah Vihear
Bulgaria Battalion (BULGABATT) – Kandal and Kampong Speu (Region 9 East)
Tunisia Battalion (TUNISBATT) – Kampong Chhnang and Pursat (Region 9 West)
UN Military Observers (UNMO) – Deployed in every province and district, each team supported by Khmer interpreters
Civilian Police (CivPol) – Multinational policing force
Multinational Election Commission – Oversaw Cambodia’s first democratic elections after decades of conflict The dedication of UNTAC’s multinational personnel played a vital role in helping Cambodia achieve peace, stability and the foundation of democracy. Your service continues to be honoured and remembered with profound respect and gratitude.
Tesh Chanthorn is a Cambodian citizen, and former UN interpreter. The views and opinions expressed are his own.
