Cambodia besieged: The true face of Thai military aggression

Thailand’s recent actions against Cambodia go far beyond ordinary border tensions – they constitute a deliberate military assault on Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The world now sees clearly that these are acts of armed aggression, not defensive manoeuvres. The Thai military has chosen civilians as targets, destroyed property and taken action that flagrantly violates international law.

During the incursion and even after the ceasefire, Thai forces destroyed homes in Prey Chan, Chok Chey village, and other areas along the Banteay Meanchey border. Personal property was looted, and Cambodian residents were forcibly barred from returning to their own homes. Containers were placed across access points, barbed wire erected to block movement and Thai flags planted, claiming Cambodian land on unilateral maps. These are not isolated incidents – they are part of a calculated strategy to alter the facts on the ground, seize territory and intimidate civilians.

Thailand’s actions are a blatant violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty. They violate bilateral agreements, international law and ASEAN norms, which condemn the use of force to change borders. By militarising Cambodian territory and targeting civilians, Thailand has escalated a border dispute into an act of aggression.

The Thai military’s occupation is not defensive – it is offensive, deliberate and systematic. It sends a dangerous message: that the lives, homes and security of Cambodian citizens are expendable in pursuit of unilateral territorial claims.

Global media have rightly described Thailand’s behaviour as an invasion. The

destruction of civilian homes, looting of property and deliberate obstruction of Cambodian residents are violations that cannot be justified or ignored. The world must recognise that these acts are not temporary border disputes – they are deliberate violations of Cambodian sovereignty, designed to intimidate, destabilise and assert control.

Cambodia has the right and the duty to protect its citizens and defend its territory. The Kingdom’s response is measured and legal, committed to safeguarding civilians while upholding international norms. Yet the aggression continues, showing Thailand’s disregard for diplomacy, law and regional stability. Such actions threaten not only Cambodia, but the principles that underpin peace and cooperation in Southeast Asia.

The international community must hold Thailand accountable. Diplomats, ASEAN members and global powers must clearly condemn the use of force, destruction of civilian property and illegal occupation of Cambodian territory. Silence or appeasement will only embolden further aggression. Cambodia’s sovereignty is not negotiable, and its citizens deserve protection from intimidation and theft.

The message is clear: Thailand’s militarisation of Cambodian territory, destruction of homes and targeting of civilians are acts of armed aggression that cannot be ignored.

This is a defining moment for Southeast Asia, a moment that demands accountability, vigilance and support for Cambodia as it defends its land, its laws and its people. The world must act now to ensure that such violations of sovereignty are recognised, condemned and prevented from becoming the new norm.

Roth Santepheap is a geopolitical analyst based in Phnom Penh. The views and opinions expressed are his own.