When the sound of a landmine explosion echoed across the Eagle Field area near the Preah Vihear Temple—injuring three Thai soldiers—the Thai side immediately seized the incident as a political tool, accusing Cambodia of planting “new mines.” Yet this single incident could not justify raising tensions along the border. Shortly afterward, repeated assaults by Thai soldiers using small arms against Cambodian civilians in Prey Chan village, O’Beichoan commune, O’Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province, tragically killed one Cambodian and injured three others. Thailand, again, tried to twist this violent act as a “Cambodian violation.”
Despite facing a series of provocations and wrongful accusations, Cambodia responded in a way Thailand never expected: by refusing to retaliate militarily, by allowing the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) full access to investigate, and by calling for an independent international inquiry.
This disciplined and dignified response embodies Cambodia’s “Quiet but Not Silent” strategy—a political doctrine rooted in international law, factual transparency, and respect for the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement. It is precisely this principled approach that allows Cambodia to maintain moral high ground and earn broad international support, while Thailand struggles with domestic ultra-nationalism and external pressures.
*Thailand Is Pushing Itself Outside the Framework of International Law
After Thai Prime Minister Anutin faced intense criticism from nationalist groups for signing the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement on October 26, 2025, the landmine incident and the shooting of Cambodian villagers became convenient cover for political damage control. Anutin quickly announced that Thailand would “no longer adhere” to the peace agreement—a move aimed at escaping political backlash at home and at boosting domestic popularity ahead of Thailand’s 2026 general elections.
But accusing Cambodia of planting mines—when real victims were Cambodian civilians—represents a deeply unjust act that uses human lives as bargaining chips in internal political maneuvering.
*International Witnesses Cannot Close Their Eyes to the Truth
No matter how hard Thailand attempts to hide the truth or manipulate narratives, the facts observed by international monitors cannot be concealed. The Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement, witnessed by the United States and ASEAN, is not an ordinary document—it is a binding international framework supported by a strong monitoring mechanism.
The ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) visited the incident sites, examined evidence, and even met Cambodian victims in the hospital. Their independent investigations contradict Thai claims, exposing inconsistencies and revealing a reality Thailand cannot distort in the digital era where international verification is immediate and comprehensive.
This is Cambodia’s decisive advantage in the ongoing information war. Thailand may have manipulated narratives in the past, but in the current era of transparency, such tactics cannot deceive the world.
*Cambodia: A Small Country but Stronger Than Thailand in Responsibility
Though small, Cambodia’s governance stands in sharp contrast to Thailand’s political structure. The Thai government lacks full authority over national decisions and is constantly pressured by the palace, ultra-nationalist groups, and the military establishment. Cambodia, however, conducts state affairs based solely on the decisions of its legitimate government, free from behind-the-scenes interference.
Cambodia’s response—official condemnations from the Ministry of National Defense, public remarks by the Prime Minister, calls for an international investigation, and full cooperation with AOT—demonstrates transparency, discipline, and confidence in the truth.
Meanwhile, Thailand’s claims lack credibility:
• no Thai casualties in the alleged Cambodian “attacks,”
• no independent evidence supporting their accusations, and
• Thai media narratives contradict AOT’s verified findings.
More critically, Thailand’s attacks on Cambodian civilians constitute a clear violation of the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration—signed in the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump and ASEAN Chair Anwar Ibrahim—damaging Thailand’s legitimacy on the international stage.
*Thailand’s Withdrawal Has No Legal or Diplomatic Validity
Thailand’s attempt to unilaterally “withdraw” from the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement is legally invalid. The agreement is not a mere bilateral document; it is an international instrument with the United States and ASEAN as official witnesses. No party can simply abandon such a framework on its own.
Any violation will be recorded and exposed—by AOT and by global scrutiny—further eroding Thailand’s credibility, weakening its negotiating position, and increasing political instability inside Thailand itself.
Conclusion
In the past several days of heightened tension, Cambodia has demonstrated discipline, responsibility, and adherence to international law. Cambodia’s patience is not a weakness, but a strategic asset—one that preserves moral clarity, earns greater support from the United States, ASEAN, and the international community, and exposes Thailand’s departure from international legal norms.
As Thailand pushes itself outside the framework of international law—using misinformation and coercive actions as political tools—Cambodia’s restraint and principled conduct are allowing the truth to shine through the scrutiny of the global community.
Cambodia, a small nation guided by the strategy of being “Quiet but Not Silent,” is transforming crisis and geopolitical pressure into a source of strength. This strategy not only safeguards peace and justice but also serves as a shield for the nation—proving that even a small country can prevail in geopolitical struggles through legality, responsibility, and unwavering commitment to truth.
