The latest flare-up in the long-standing Cambodia-Thailand border dispute has brought tensions to a peak. A wave of nationalism has been building across Cambodia for some time, but in recent weeks, it has intensified like never before. In markets and cafés, people are choosing Cambodian coffee over foreign brands, proudly buying local products and rallying behind our own. It is a show of unity, of pride, of resilience.
This national pride is not without cause. The current Cambodia-Thailand conflict has stirred deep anger, anger born of real events. Thailand threatened to cut off our internet. It threatened to halt fuel exports. It unilaterally closed the borders. It continues to hold several of our soldiers, returning only two so far. And it has mocked the suffering of our troops, some reportedly poisoned by toxic gas, with lives already lost, and more casualties just two days ago. Even respected Thai celebrities, once admired by many Cambodians, have joined in finding this tragedy “funny”, posting short videos of themselves performing their acts online.
The provocations have gone further. The news first surfaced on the Breaking Defense website and was later cited by other outlets: a claim that Sweden had suspended the sale of additional Gripen fighter jets to Thailand following Thai airstrikes on Cambodia. The report sparked outrage in Thailand and triggered a wave of online mockery toward Cambodia. According to The Nation Thailand, the Swedish Embassy in Bangkok denied the claim and confirmed that no such decision had been made.
While verbal exchanges have happened on both sides, the provocations from Thailand have been particularly damaging. To many Cambodians, these recent actions reinforce an image of being provocative, untrustworthy, and at times aggressive. All the more reason for us to answer with strength and with dignity.
It hurts us. It hurts deeply. And it is fair to ask: how could we not be hurt? But the real question is: how do we respond without acting foolishly?
Healthy nationalism builds. It strengthens the economy, boosts morale and unites the people behind a common purpose. Choosing Cambodian products over foreign ones is an act of economic self-defence. Supporting our cultural heritage is an act of identity. Promoting Cambodian achievements abroad, volunteering in our communities, donating to good causes and backing local entrepreneurs are all ways we can make our country stronger from within. These are the signs of a nation standing tall.
But there is another side, one that risks undermining the very cause we seek to defend. Online, some have mocked another country’s flag, insulted its leaders and their families, and bullied fellow Cambodians who still choose to buy foreign goods. This is not principled patriotism; it is a kind of nationalism that corrodes from within. It violates individual rights, sows division among our own people and tarnishes the dignity we claim to defend. Worse still, it hands our opponents the very evidence they need to justify their own wrongs.
We must remember: our struggle is not only to protect our borders, but also to protect our national character. Dignity is not weakness. Restraint is not surrender. Dignity is not only a moral choice; it is a strategic advantage. It denies our opponents the excuse they seek to justify their actions. If we resort to the same actions we condemn – disrespecting national symbols, humiliating others, or silencing choice – we mirror the very behaviour we stand against.
Our anger is real, but our response will decide whether we strengthen Cambodia or weaken it. We have faced hardship before and emerged stronger, not by mirroring the worst we saw, but by holding fast to our principles. Our true strength lies in rising above provocation. The world is watching. History will remember. When we remain disciplined, respectful and united, not only do we protect our sovereignty, but we also protect the honour of being Cambodian.
Wherever we live, whatever our role is, let us practice a nationalism that is dignified, disciplined, and united. Let our words and actions lift Cambodia higher, not drag us into the same shadows we oppose. We can stand proud, defend our sovereignty and show the world that our dignity – and our steadfast love for truth and peace – is our greatest defence.
Meas Sopheak is a citizen of Cambodia and a doctoral student at Nagoya University. The views and opinions expressed are his own.
