(Phnom Penh): As Thai society becomes increasingly unsettled by domestic criticism and intensifying hostility toward foreign partners, the growing anti-American and anti-Malaysian sentiment—directed even at the current ASEAN Chair—reveals a deeper reality: Thailand’s internal political turbulence has turned into anger against the truth, rather than against any neighboring state.

Cambodia, however, has not fallen into this emotional trap. The Royal Government remains firmly guided by a simple yet uncompromising principle: where there is a dispute, there must be justice—and there must be credible guarantors of peace.

The United States and Malaysia Are Not Choosing Sides—They Are Choosing International Law
What the United States and Malaysia are doing is not “taking Cambodia’s side,” as some Thai nationalists allege. They are defending international law and border justice, ensuring that the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement is fully respected.
Some Thai citizens have even directed their anger toward U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, fueled by rising ultranationalism. But Cambodia sees only one clear reality: consistent compliance with the law is the protection of life.
The negative sentiment from certain groups in Thailand exists for one reason—because President Trump and Prime Minister Anwar are committed to ensuring the peace agreement, signed by the Prime Ministers of Cambodia and Thailand on 26 October 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, is properly implemented.

The United States Is Seeking the Truth—Not Favoring Any Party
Following the landmine explosion that injured Thai soldiers, and the subsequent shooting incident in Prey Chan village that killed one Cambodian civilian and injured three others, the U.S. administration stated it was “gathering more information” about both the landmine and shooting incidents.
Yet Thai ultranationalists quickly distorted this into an accusation that the United States was trying to “pin blame” on Thailand. This is completely false.
In reality, Washington was adhering to international standards that require:
• Protecting civilians,
• Preventing violations of peace agreements by any party, and
• Conducting thorough investigations based on due diligence—meaning careful, responsible examination before making any determination.
The U.S. statement did not blame Thailand, nor did it place Thailand under condemnation. Rather, it simply reminded both sides to uphold the law—something Cambodia has reaffirmed consistently in its unwavering support for the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement.

Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair, Is Fulfilling Its Duties—not Interfering in Any Country’s Internal Affairs
Thai nationalist anger toward Malaysia is not because Malaysia is “pro-Cambodia,” but because Malaysia is not “pro-Thailand.”
As ASEAN Chair, Malaysia has specific obligations:
• Facilitating political dialogue to ensure compliance with the KL Peace Agreement,
• Supporting the creation of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) in line with the agreement,
• Monitoring the withdrawal of weapons by both sides, and
• Preventing the border from becoming a theatre for military escalation.
Malaysia is not restraining Thailand’s power—
Malaysia is restraining violations of international law, exactly as ASEAN mandates.

Thailand’s Anger Reveals a Desire for Something That Violates the Law
The establishment of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), which enforces the 2000–2001 MOU commitments and the 1962 ICJ Judgment, has made one thing clear:
Thailand cannot use its unilateral 1:50,000 map, despite the pressure from Thai nationalist groups.
These groups have directed their anger at the United States not because of any unfriendly action, but because Washington insists both Cambodia and Thailand respect:
• the AOT mechanism,
• the ICJ Judgment,
• the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement, and
• rules preventing military intimidation.
Their frustration is not truly toward the U.S. or Malaysia—it is frustration toward AOT, ICJ, KL Peace Agreement, and the legal limits placed on Thai military actions.
Simply put, they want “power above the law,” not “integrity under the law.”

Cambodia Supports the Law and the Truth That the U.S. and Malaysia Are Upholding
While Thailand’s ultranationalists respond with emotion and anger toward the truth, Cambodia has chosen a different path. The Royal Government has spoken with calm, principled clarity:
• Peace must have credible guarantors,
• Truth must be uncovered,
• And international law must prevent any party from crossing the red line.
The United States and Malaysia serve as strong, credible international witnesses whose involvement ensures that the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement is implemented effectively. Without such witnesses, the Cambodia–Thailand border could quickly become a zone of violence, instability, and avoidable loss of life.

Conclusion
The anger of Thai ultranationalist groups toward the United States and Malaysia is not new, but it reflects an important truth that must be clearly understood: Thailand is angry at the truth—the truth that the United States and Malaysia have revealed, and continue to reveal, in their efforts to seek justice in the Cambodia–Thailand border dispute. The United States and Malaysia are not siding with Cambodia; they are siding with facts and international law.
The Royal Government of Cambodia fully supports these efforts to seek truth and justice because international law is the most powerful shield for a small nation like Cambodia.
The pursuit of truth, justice, and respect for international law is the very tool that protects the lives of Cambodian citizens and ensures that the border can once again live in peace.
Therefore, while some in Thailand direct their anger at foreign witnesses who seek truth, justice, and respect for international law, Cambodia chooses a calm but firm path—the path of integrity, truth, and lasting peace along the border.