(Phnom Penh): The events of December 9, 2025 marked a decisive turning point along the Cambodia–Thailand border. After Thai forces crossed the red line and launched multiple attacks—including clear violations of Cambodia’s sovereign territory and inhumane actions causing casualties and destruction to Khmer civilians—Samdech Techo Hun Sen once again demonstrated the strategic doctrine of “Peace First – Defense Second.”

This doctrine, which has shaped Cambodia’s modern history of national defense in the 21st century, came into full view as tensions escalated. In this climate of rising aggression, Samdech Hun Sen—the seasoned national crisis manager with more than three decades of leadership experience, including ending Cambodia’s civil war—issued a message on social media that combined patience, military readiness, and the lawful right to self-defense under international law.

After observing the ceasefire and allowing time to evacuate civilians to safety, Cambodia’s 24-hour period of restraint came to an end. This shift signals to the world that Cambodia is not the party that initiated violence. But once Thailand crossed the clearly-defined red line, Cambodia was compelled to move from “strategic patience” to the lawful exercise of self-defense, in accordance with international law.

Strategic Patience: A Calculated 24-Hour Window

The Ministry of National Defense reported on December 9 that Thai forces continued firing relentlessly throughout the night in Military Region 5. Just after midnight, Thai shelling struck National Road 56, killing two Cambodian civilians traveling on the road.

Despite the attacks, Cambodia did not immediately retaliate. Instead, it employed a 24-hour strategy of deliberate restraint to allow for:
- the safe evacuation of civilians,
- the avoidance of further casualties, and
- verification of facts on the ground.

This patience should not be mistaken for weakness. It was a carefully calculated strategy rooted in:
- International Humanitarian Law,
- Rules of Engagement, and
- ASEAN norms of peaceful conflict resolution.

Cambodia’s priority was clear: protect human life first, even while under unprovoked assault.

Cambodia’s Positioning on the International Stage

This restraint enabled Cambodia to demonstrate to the international community that its moral grounding remains higher than that of Thailand. Cambodia has consistently honored the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement of 26 October 2025, while also proving that it did not initiate hostilities.

This conduct fully aligns with international law, in contrast to Thailand’s repeated violations of peace agreements, humanitarian principles, and its international obligations.

The distinction is crucial for:
- global perception,
- diplomatic engagement,
- ASEAN mechanisms, and
- strengthening international support for Cambodia.

In short, Cambodia has clearly emerged as the defensive and responsible actor in the eyes of the world.

The Green Light and Strategic Pressure: Cambodia’s Lawful Right to Self-Defense

Samdech Hun Sen stated publicly: “Cambodia desires peace, but we are compelled to strike back to defend our territory.”

This declaration signals a formal and deeply meaningful strategic shift: Cambodia does not seek war, yet no aggression against its sovereign territory will ever be tolerated. Cambodia has now invoked its inherent right to Self-Defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, which allows a state to respond lawfully to armed attacks.

Article 51 states that:
- Every UN Member State has the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense,
- If an armed attack occurs against that state,
- This right remains until the UN Security Council takes necessary measures to restore peace,
- And any defensive actions must be reported to the Security Council.

In essence: A state may not attack first, but it may respond lawfully and proportionately when attacked.

Cambodia’s actions fall squarely within this legal framework. The response is not an act of war, but a necessary measure to repel hostile acts, defend sovereignty, and protect its citizens.

Thailand, by contrast, has violated the ceasefire and the Kuala Lumpur Joint Peace Statement witnessed by U.S. President Donald Trump and ASEAN Chair Anwar Ibrahim.

Samdech Hun Sen Exposes Thailand’s Psychological Warfare: The “11 Points” Deception

Samdech Hun Sen also dismantled Thai Prime Minister Anutin’s claim that Thailand would “capture 11 points”—a statement devoid of coordinates, clarity, or military logic.

In practice, such rhetoric is a common Thai tactic meant to generate fear and psychological pressure against Cambodia. But this strategy no longer works.

Samdech Hun Sen issued clear instructions: Cambodian forces must strike any point where enemy forces invade.

He stated: "We defend our territory with strong trenches and all kinds of weapons. As for the enemy invaders who are mobilized to attack our positions, they cannot bring their trenches down, and their heads are not made of iron. This situation gives us the opportunity to implement the strategy of destroying the enemy's manpower through counterattacks."

This message strengthens the morale of Cambodian troops, confirming full leadership confidence in the army’s capabilities and readiness to destroy invading forces.

Samdech Hun Sen also addressed opposition groups who previously mocked Cambodia’s national defense efforts—accusing the government of warmongering in July and of cowardice, especially, during the five-day war that Cambodia waged to repel the Thai invasion in late July
Today he responded: “When we were patient, they said we feared Thailand. Now that we defend ourselves, what will they say? Cambodia wants peace, but we are compelled to defend our land.”

His remarks underscore that Cambodia’s military actions are not political emotion, but the expression of national duty to defend the people and the homeland.

Conclusion

Samdech Hun Sen’s message of December 9, 2025 is not merely a reaction to a single incident; it is a clearly defined strategic doctrine that should be understood and remembered.

This doctrine affirms that:
- Cambodia honors peace, but will never allow aggression against its territory.
- Cambodia’s counteractions serve to protect people and sovereignty—not to wage war.
- The Royal Cambodian Armed Forces are disciplined, capable, and fully prepared to defend the nation.
- Thailand is the aggressor, while Cambodia stands firmly as the defender.
- Cambodia will never trade, surrender, or compromise even one millimeter of its sovereign land.

At this moment, Cambodia is showing the world that peace is its first choice—but defense is the indispensable choice when confronted by aggression. For a small nation with a proud and resilient population, defending sovereignty is not optional—it is existential.