(Phnom Penh): As tensions on the Cambodian–Thai border continue to escalate, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Prak Sokhonn, delivered a deeply moving message to both the national and international public.

“Our greatest effort is to avoid war! It’s not that we are afraid of war, but we know that war brings destruction! We do not desire land from anyone, nor do we wage war to seize another’s territory! We are forced to take up arms only to defend our territorial integrity. We have done so much, and yet we still do not have peace!”

This profound statement affirmed that Cambodia’s patience is not a sign of fear, but rather of intelligence, moral strength, and national responsibility. It reflects the spirit of a country that genuinely loves peace—one whose restraint must never be mistaken for weakness.

Since the ceasefire agreement was implemented on July 28, 2025, under the initiative of U.S. President Donald Trump, Cambodia has demonstrated the highest level of patience in the face of repeated ceasefire violations by Thailand.

On October 10, the Thai side again committed serious violations by using bulldozers to clear land belonging to Cambodian citizens in Prey Chan village, Banteay Meanchey province, under the pretext of “demining.” Beyond this, Thailand employed psychological warfare tactics—using hidden loudspeakers to emit eerie noises, such as barking dogs and ghostly cries at night—intended to terrify villagers and inflict mental distress.

These actions not only endangered the safety of Cambodian citizens living on their ancestral land, but also violated fundamental human rights, which form the cornerstone of international law.
Even Thai Senator Angkhana Neelapaijit publicly expressed dismay over her government’s behavior, describing it as a violation of sovereignty and human rights. She called the acts “psychological torture,” contravening the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment, of which Thailand is a state party.

Despite Thailand’s continued salami-slicing strategy and psychological warfare, Cambodia has remained firmly patient. The Royal Government of Cambodia continues to uphold the spirit of the ceasefire, refusing to respond with violence or any provocative action that could heighten tensions.

Cambodia’s restraint clearly demonstrates that the Royal Government is not only committed to defending its territorial sovereignty, but also firmly believes that peace and respect for international law are the most powerful weapons in this era of information warfare.

As Cambodian political science professor Vong Makara wrote on October 13, 2025, in an article titled “Patience in Strategy Is Not Fear of Surrender, but Building Victory When the Time Comes”:

*Patience as a Strategy: Victory Before War

In the theory of war, a wise commander is not one who strikes first, but one who knows when to act and when to remain silent.
Cambodia’s disciplined and well-informed military understands that modern conflict is no longer fought solely with guns—it is fought with maps, law, and diplomacy.
Professor Vong Makara observed:

“Some people are impatient, demanding that the Royal Government respond to Thailand in kind. They have criticized leaders such as Hun Sen and Hun Manet for remaining silent and allowing Thailand to act as it pleases.”

He continued:

“The country’s leaders are indeed in pain—perhaps more than we can imagine. But what we must understand is that national leaders must think from all angles and look far beyond the horizon.”

The professor further explained that not responding with weapons does not mean surrender; it is a demonstration that Cambodia respects international law and seeks justice through peaceful means. Every Thai violation, he said, only adds further proof that Cambodia is the victim, not the aggressor.

*Patience: The Force That Repels War

Cambodia is not a country that uses weapons to end wars—it is a nation that uses political wisdom, diplomacy, and moral power to prevent them. In today’s era of information and psychological warfare, Cambodia’s silence and patience have become the most powerful weapons of all—immeasurable in strength and impact.
Professor Vong Makara added:

“Cambodia’s patience is the right choice, because in the theory of war, those who claim to be strong often boast to break the spirit of their opponents. Yet in reality, arrogance is the source of failure, while true victory ultimately belongs to those who remain calm and silent.”

This composure and endurance have enabled Cambodia to preserve both peace and national dignity. Every day that war does not reignite is a silent victory for Cambodia—a victory that saves lives, prevents destruction, and sustains the nation’s progress.

If Cambodia were to lose its patience and a second war were to erupt, it would be extremely difficult to contain. Such a conflict would bring enormous disaster—loss of life, destruction of economic and social foundations, and long-term instability.

Cambodia’s patience and commitment to international law prove that this is a nation guided by reason and foresight—able to withstand pressures that few others could bear. Cambodia believes that peace is not a product of weapons, but a product of wisdom and self-restraint.

Patience is not silence, nor is it resignation. It is a strategic and intelligent method to avoid emotional escalation and violent outcomes. In an era when war is often used as a political tool, wisdom and patience are Cambodia’s strongest defenses—protecting both sovereignty and national honor.

Conclusion៖

In an age when weapons and information are used as political instruments to destroy the spirit of peace, Cambodia’s patience is not mere restraint—it is the embodiment of national wisdom, morality, and dignity.

The Royal Government of Cambodia has shown that true strength lies not in guns or tanks, but in the power of intellect and respect for international law. To maintain peace without retaliation is the highest expression of courage and civilization.

Having endured decades of war and hardship, Cambodia does not fear conflict—it simply understands the priceless value of peace. Cambodia’s patience is a strategy that no war can defeat, and it carries a timeless message to the world:
“Real strength is not in the hands of those who shoot, but in the hands of those who can stop the shooting.”

While Thailand relies on weapons and psychological manipulation to create tension, Cambodia wields the weapons of diplomacy, intelligence, and patience to defend peace and demonstrate to the world that even a small nation can prevail over a larger one through justice and law.

Therefore, Cambodia’s patience is not the silence of the weak, but a powerful, silent war that the nation is winning every day without firing a single bullet.
It is a victory of wisdom, morality, and a peace-loving nation—a triumph born not from military might, but from the power of intelligence, patience, and the unwavering commitment to peace.

This is Cambodia’s supreme victory—one that the world will remember as a lesson for the 21st century.