(Phnom Penh): It is important to emphasize that whenever Thailand prepares for aggression against Cambodia, it often begins by deliberately engineering incidents designed to shift blame onto Cambodia. These fabricated events are then amplified by Thai media to paint Cambodia as the aggressor, creating a false narrative to justify future military action. This pattern is not new; it has been repeatedly employed by Thailand as part of its strategy to expand territorial control at Cambodia’s expense.
A stark example took place in May 2025, when a Cambodian soldier stationed in the Mom Bei area was killed by unprovoked fire from Thai forces. Shortly thereafter, Thailand unilaterally installed barbed wire barriers to block Cambodian access to the Ta Moan Thom temple, a site of immense historical, cultural, and spiritual significance. These aggressive actions directly escalated tensions, culminating in a large-scale armed confrontation along the border from 24 to 28 July 2025, which resulted in casualties and a serious deterioration of relations between the two countries.
Even after the ceasefire agreement was reached, the Thai military continued to pursue tactics aimed at provoking Cambodia into renewed conflict. Cambodia, however, has exercised maximum restraint and remained committed to peace despite these deliberate provocations. Among the most concerning acts were:
1. The unlawful arrest and continued detention of 18 Cambodian soldiers after the ceasefire, in blatant violation of the agreement and international humanitarian principles.
2. Allowing Thai soldiers to deliberately enter a minefield located inside Cambodian territory, and then falsely accusing Cambodia of planting new mines in contravention of international law.
3. Extending barbed wire fences into Cambodian territory and forcibly expelling Cambodian civilians from their rightful homes and farmland.
4. Repeatedly threatening to take control multiple locations of Cambodia’s territory along the border, citing self-drawn maps that are not recognized under international laws.
Most recently, gunfire was reported along the border, followed by hasty accusations by Thailand that Cambodia was responsible. Thai officials then attempted to frame these incidents as grounds for exercising Thailand’s so-called “right of self-defense.” Such manipulative and misleading narratives raise serious concerns that Thailand may once again be preparing the ground for a large-scale offensive against Cambodia with the aim of seizing additional territory.
It must be recalled that Cambodia and Thailand are bound by the 1904 and 1907 boundary treaties and the accompanying 1/200,000 map, which clearly demarcate the border between the two countries. Furthermore, the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Cambodia and Thailand reaffirmed both countries’ recognition and respect for these treaties and maps as the legal basis for managing the boundary. By continuously violating these commitments and pursuing unilateral actions, Thailand is undermining not only bilateral relations but also the principles of international law and peaceful coexistence.
Thailand’s actions also undermine international norms and legal rulings. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has twice ruled on the issue of the Preah Vihear Temple—in 1962 and again in 2013—affirming Cambodia’s sovereignty and rejecting Thailand’s claims. By disregarding these authoritative judgments, Thailand is openly challenging the very foundation of international law and the rule of law among nations.
At the same time, Thailand’s persistent acts of aggression have placed ASEAN’s credibility at stake. ASEAN was founded on the principles of dialogue, mutual respect, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. Yet, if it fails to respond effectively to Thailand’s repeated violations, the organization risks being seen as ineffective—like a lamp that provides no light when it is most needed. Such inaction would not only weaken ASEAN’s moral authority, but also embolden further aggression. By tolerating Thailand’s behavior, ASEAN would send the dangerous signal that in this region “might makes right,” a notion that runs directly counter to the values enshrined in the ASEAN Charter and undermines regional peace and stability.
Cambodia therefore calls upon ASEAN not only to take note, but to take action. Specifically, ASEAN should urge Thailand to formally endorse the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the ASEAN Observers Team (AOT), enabling ASEAN to deploy its mechanisms to help ensure transparency, monitor the situation on the ground, and build confidence between the two sides. The presence of the AOT would provide a crucial safeguard for the ceasefire, help de-escalate tensions, and pave the way for restoring peace and normalcy along the border.
Beyond ASEAN, Cambodia also appeals to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) not to overlook Thailand’s continued provocations and violations of the ceasefire agreement of 28 July 2025. The UNSC, as the guardian of international peace and security, must remain vigilant and ensure that unilateral aggression does not destabilize Southeast Asia. Turning a blind eye would risk emboldening Thailand to continue its dangerous course of action, while undermining the credibility of international law and the authority of the United Nations itself.
Cambodia has demonstrated patience, maturity, and responsibility in seeking to resolve disputes peacefully. Its consistent restraint must not be mistaken for weakness. On the contrary, Cambodia’s conduct reflects its strong commitment to regional stability, peace, and adherence to international agreements. The international community, together with ASEAN and the United Nations, must act decisively, as Thai aggression not only threatens Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, but also undermines the peace, stability, and security of Southeast Asia as a whole.
Meng Bill, Southeast Asian Political Observer
=FRESH NEWS
