When the gunfire along the Cambodia–Thailand border finally fell silent following the announcement of the ceasefire…
When 20 Cambodian soldiers were lured and then seized by Thai forces on Cambodian soil after the ceasefire…
When Thailand continued to close border gates unilaterally…
Some people began urging Cambodia to fight back—to respond with violence, with armed retaliation, with force.
But at the 33rd National Congress of Buddhist Monks on 17 November 2025, Samdech Techo Hun Sen rejected the path of revenge. Instead, he introduced a different road—a strategic path toward peace, aimed at preserving the ceasefire and fully implementing the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement that the world is now watching closely.

Cambodia’s Clear Choice—Peace Anchored in Law and International Support
Despite Thailand’s provocations, intimidation, and repeated violations meant to push Cambodia into reacting violently, Cambodia’s position remains unmistakably firm: it will not respond through military escalation.
Cambodia’s strategy is built on peace with law, peace supported by international witnesses, and peace strengthened through diplomacy.
The 26 October 2025 Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement—witnessed by the United States and Malaysia—has become the solid foundation guiding Cambodia’s approach:
patience,
strict respect for the ceasefire,
joint demining, and continued negotiation through peaceful mechanisms.
In this context, the slogan “Thank You Peace”, once mocked or dismissed by some, now reveals its true value. It is no longer a casual phrase, but a recognition that every step Cambodia is taking—from refraining from firing back to demanding adherence to the agreement—is aimed at preserving and cultivating peace for the nation and the region.

The 18 Soldiers: National Sacrifice in Defense of Peace
Immediately after the ceasefire was declared, 20 Cambodian soldiers were seized by Thai troops at An Ses—inside Cambodian territory. Thailand later released only two of them, both in poor physical and psychological condition, while the remaining 18 soldiers continue to be detained.
Samdech Techo described these 18 soldiers as national martyrs, emphasizing that they were captured after the ceasefire—a clear violation of international norms.
Instead of reigniting war, Cambodia placed the case firmly under the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement, which obligates Thailand to release the 18 soldiers through legal and humanitarian procedures.
Cambodia’s choice reflects its long-term vision of peace: understanding that the sacrifice of a few soldiers may prevent the entire nation from being dragged into another devastating war.
Samdech Techo stated:
“Our soldiers were captured just hours after the ceasefire. I consider them national martyrs. Thailand will surely try to use this issue as leverage, but both the soldiers and their families understand the national cause. Where is international humanitarian law if such acts are ignored?”
Even though Thailand continues to use the 18 soldiers as a political bargaining tool, Cambodia remains unwavering—committed to peace and international law, refusing to let violations shake its national resolve.

Prey Chan: When Patience Weighs More Than Gunfire
When Thai troops opened fire in Prey Chan village—killing one Cambodian civilian, injuring three others, and forcing hundreds of families to flee—many people questioned Cambodia’s restraint:
“They killed our people. Why are we still silent?”
Samdech Techo responded with cold clarity:
If Cambodia retaliated with weapons, would casualties remain at just 1 dead and 3 injured?
Would the ceasefire and the Kuala Lumpur peace framework still hold meaning?
Instead of firing back, Cambodia used the language of peaceful diplomacy, urging the United States and Malaysia—witness states of the agreement—to monitor the violations and remind Thailand of its legal obligations.
This is how wars are stopped—not with artillery fire, but with international law and documented agreements.

The Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement: A Model of Peace Without Territorial Concessions
Samdech Techo stressed unequivocally that no agreement requires Cambodia to cede territory in exchange for peace.
He famously remarked:
"Please don't be confused that we are cutting land in exchange for peace... No, otherwise there is no need to wait for war... The other side has been threatening to attack Ta Krabey for several days, and we have only heard the threat of attacking Ta Krabey. If in order to avoid war, then let us give Ta Krabey to them immediately. They want Preah Vihear Temple. So let us give Preah Vihear Temple to them to exchange for peace. What is the need to fight?»
The Kuala Lumpur Agreement is not a treaty of territorial exchange. Instead, it strengthens ceasefire implementation by requiring:
no troop reinforcements or new weapon deployments,
withdrawal of heavy weapons under AOT supervision,
joint demining operations,
cooperation against cybercrime and money laundering,
and the release of all 18 detained Cambodian soldiers.
These are obligations grounded in international humanitarian law. Cambodia has implemented them fully. Thailand has not.

“Quiet But Not Silent”: A Peace Strategy in the Age of Information Warfare
In today’s social-media era—where loud voices and offensive language spread faster than reason—many people react emotionally rather than rationally.
In this environment, Samdech Techo introduced the government’s strategic doctrine: “Quiet But Not Silent.”
Quiet: Cambodia does not respond with weapons, troop movements, or military threats.
Not Silent: Cambodia continues speaking, explaining, documenting, and informing the national and international public about:
what is happening on the border,
who respects the ceasefire and who violates it,
and Cambodia’s firm adherence to the peace agreement.
This strategy relies on lawful, calm, rational communication instead of emotional outbursts and incitement to violence. Through this approach, the world has come to see clearly that Cambodia is defending peace, while Thailand is violating it.

*“Thank You Peace” Is Not a Joke—It Is a National Awakening
Samdech Techo noted that some people once mocked the phrase “Thank You Peace.”
But after witnessing real gunfire, real evacuations, and real danger, they now “open their eyes.”
He reminded the public:
«Before, people used to take the word "thank you for peace" as a joke, but now, after the outbreak of armed conflict, it has been recognized that saying "thank you for peace" is not simple. Don't lose peace, cry for peace, then protect peace.»
Peace is not something asked from one side—it is a shared national duty.
The government must lead with patience and firm strategy.
The people must guard peace and avoid emotional extremism that could push Cambodia out of the peace framework again.

Conclusion: Peace Is Not a Weak Choice—It Is a Courageous One
A close reading of Samdech Techo Hun Sen’s speech on 17 November 2025 shows:
Cambodia has never chosen to “trade land for peace.”
Cambodia chooses peace with law, peace with discipline, and peace with patience, even when it must pay the price through the sacrifice of soldiers or the suffering of civilians.
Cambodia understands that the outbreak of arms may only bring temporary satisfaction to a few people who want to incite the country to war, but in the end, it will destroy everything that has just been achieved through the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement.
For a nation that has lived through genocide and the deaths of millions, peace carries immeasurable value. Everything the Royal Government is doing is for the peace and security of the Cambodian people.
All Cambodians must remember:
Peace is not a bargaining chip. Peace is a legacy and a responsibility. That is why we must always say: “Thank You, Peace.”