For decades, the Kingdom of Cambodia has walked the path of peace, guided by a vision of regional harmony, mutual respect and development for all. Yet, while Cambodia has extended the hand of friendship, Thailand, from the highest levels of leadership to its aggressive military officials, has sharpened the sword.
What the world is witnessing today is not a border misunderstanding — it is a deliberate provocation orchestrated by a Thai political-military elite obsessed with domination and blind nationalism. From former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra — who still manipulates Thai politics behind the scenes — to the commander of Army Region 2, Thailand has cultivated a culture that romanticises war and rejects peaceful dialogue.
This is not the first time Thailand has turned to violence. Nor is it the first time Cambodia has been forced to defend its sovereignty with determination and sacrifice. This time, the provocation is particularly blatant. On July24, in full violation of international law and Cambodian territorial sovereignty, Thai armed forces launched an armed assault on Cambodian soldiers at the sacred sites of Ta Mone Thom and Ta Krabey — temples that lie clearly within Cambodian territory.
The assault was not just an attack on Cambodia — it was an assault on the peace of ASEAN, on the principles of the UN Charter, and on humanity’s shared cultural heritage. Shelling near the Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the destruction of a pagoda and the targeting of civilian infrastructure like a health post, expose the true face of Thai aggression.
It is now undeniable: Thailand’s current leadership loves war and hates peace.
This warlike posture reflects a deep-rooted arrogance in the Thai political-military hierarchy. Whether it’s Thaksin’s shadow influence, the foreign minister’s inflammatory statements, or General Suksan’s reckless orders, the message is clear: Thailand’s strategy is confrontation, not cooperation. It is expansionism, not respect for borders. It is hegemony, not harmony.
Cambodia, in stark contrast, has consistently adhered to international law, sought peaceful dialogue and exercised the utmost restraint. Even under fire, the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces acted solely in self-defence — protecting not only the lives of their citizens, but also the sacred duty of preserving peace.
Let the world understand: Cambodia is a small country, but it has a big heart and a long memory. We will never forget the devastation of past wars. We do not want another. But neither will we allow any foreign army — Thai or otherwise — to trample on our dignity, territory and sovereignty.
We urge the international community, the UN, and ASEAN to see this situation for what it is: a deliberate act of Thai military aggression rooted in a toxic political culture that glorifies war. Silence and neutrality in the face of this injustice would be complicity.
Cambodia will continue to raise its voice in international forums, to defend peace, law and sovereignty. We do not seek to escalate. We seek to protect. But we will never yield.
If Thailand chooses war, it will find in Cambodia not a victim, but a defender. Not a provoker, but a protector. Cambodia does not love war. But we will fight if we must — because peace, justice and sovereignty are worth defending.
Roth Santepheap is a geopolitical analyst based in Phnom Penh. The views and opinions expressed are his own.
