The ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand is far more than a temporary pause in hostilities — it is a lifeline for the people living along the border. Thanks to the decisive mediation of US President Donald Trump, this agreement was embraced by the international community as a historic breakthrough capable of ending violence, saving lives and restoring normalcy.
For communities caught in the crossfire, it has been the difference between life and death. The ceasefire must be upheld, fully implemented and protected from reckless political manoeuvring.
For border families, peace is not abstract. It means children can return to school, farmers can tend their fields and soldiers can step back from the brink of war. This fragile stability cannot be taken for granted. Yet Thailand’s political and military leaders are jeopardising it through threats and provocations. Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai’s reckless order to arrest Cambodian leaders if they enter Thailand is not only an insult to Cambodia, but also to the US and the global community that supported the ceasefire.
Even more concerning, Thailand continues to exploit its so-called “forest law” to forcibly dispossess Cambodian villagers and assert unilateral control over disputed areas. These actions are not about environmental protection — they are a tool to consolidate power at the expense of innocent lives. From an international perspective, such measures appear diplomatically unusual, even reckless, particularly amid Thailand’s ongoing political instability.
Cambodia has shown restraint and remains committed to dialogue, but peace requires two partners. Thai leaders must not gamble with border peace to distract from domestic political turmoil, including the suspended prime minister and the looming legal troubles of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra. They must turn away from provocation, fully respect the ceasefire, and stop taking the lives of ordinary people for granted. To do otherwise would betray the fruitful initiative of President Trump and the trust of the world.
The ceasefire has already proven its value. It has saved lives and prevented war. The choice now lies with Thailand: respect peace and uphold credibility or squander it for short-term political gain. Cambodia chooses peace, and the world expects Thailand to do the same. Peace is not a political bargaining chip — it is a human right for the people of Cambodia and Thailand.
Roth Santepheap is a geopolitical analyst based in Phnom Penh. The views and opinions expressed are his own.
