Opinion: Respect Borders, Respect Peace: Cambodia’s Stand Against Thai Provocation

Opinion: Respect Borders, Respect Peace: Cambodia’s Stand Against Thai Provocation

Khmer Times | Thailand has once again demonstrated its habitual disregard for international norms, regional peace, and diplomatic integrity. By falsely accusing Cambodia of planting new anti-personnel landmines in Preah Vihear province and unilaterally enforcing authority over Cambodian soil, the Thai government is not just escalating tensions—it is engaging in a deliberate act of provocation that threatens peace and regional stability.

On 20 July 2025, Thailand issued a baseless and politically motivated complaint accusing Cambodia of violating the Ottawa Convention on landmines. This allegation is not only factually incorrect but morally reprehensible, given Cambodia’s internationally recognized contributions to humanitarian demining and its full compliance with the Convention. While Cambodia has worked tirelessly to clear remnants of war—both at home and abroad—Thailand’s reckless narrative seeks to distort facts and shift blame for its own military irresponsibility.

The truth is clear and irrefutable. The incident occurred inside Techo Morakot Village, Choam Ksan District, Preah Vihear—a location that lies deep within Cambodian territory, as delineated by internationally agreed maps produced by the Franco-Siamese Mixed Commission and reaffirmed by the International Court of Justice in 1962 and 2013. Yet, ignoring all legal, historical, and diplomatic precedents, Thai troops illegally entered this area, violating the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding, which explicitly prohibits unilateral action in undemarcated zones.

What is Thailand really doing? It is reviving an old and dangerous strategy: using unilateral maps to justify unlawful encroachments, followed by an aggressive disinformation campaign to manipulate public perception and discredit its neighbors. This is not the first time Thailand has abused cartographic distortions to provoke disputes along its borders—not only with Cambodia but also with other neighboring states.

By deliberately deviating from pre-agreed patrol routes and establishing new unauthorized military paths in Cambodian territory, Thailand has shown blatant disrespect for bilateral understandings. Its actions have endangered lives, violated Cambodian sovereignty, and eroded the fragile trust painstakingly built over decades of diplomacy.

Even more disturbing is Thailand’s arrogant attempt to impose rules over temple areas such as Ta Mone Thom, asserting fabricated claims of sovereignty and obstructing pilgrims and tourists. These attempts to create “facts on the ground” not only mislead the international community but also expose Thailand’s willingness to exploit sacred heritage sites for geopolitical gain.

Instead of acknowledging the facts or taking responsibility, Thailand has doubled down on its lies—claiming to have cleared landmines in areas where no demining activity has ever taken place. Cambodian troops remain stationed in those areas. No international body has verified Thai clearance efforts because no such efforts exist.

Cambodia will not tolerate such aggression. The Royal Government of Cambodia urges Thailand to immediately cease its provocations, stop disseminating falsehoods, and return to the path of responsible diplomacy. It also calls on the international community to take note of Thailand’s systematic abuse of international legal instruments and to stand firm in defense of truth, justice, and territorial sovereignty.

To prevent further confrontation and to resolve the remaining boundary disputes in a lawful manner, Cambodia renews its call for both countries to submit to the International Court of Justice—the only impartial authority capable of resolving such sensitive issues under international law. This is the only credible and peaceful path forward.

Thailand’s current behavior is a direct affront to regional peace, international treaties, and ASEAN’s spirit of unity. If left unchecked, it sets a dangerous precedent for the use of unilateral force and disinformation in resolving border issues.

Cambodia remains committed to justice, peace, and the rule of law. Thailand must now decide whether it will uphold these same principles—or continue down a path of provocation, lies, and lawlessness.

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