Why is it so hard for Thailand to discuss peace and a ceasefire?

Why is it so hard for Thailand to discuss peace and a ceasefire?

Despite the fierce war of words between the Thai and Cambodian people since the border dispute and the Thai military invasion of Cambodia, the Cambodian and Thai people share a common vision of ending the border dispute for this generation. But they take a very different strategy in how they resolve it.

The Thai government and military have tried to use military force to invade Cambodia and mobilised the Thai people to support its campaign, falsely justifying that this was once Thai territory and vowing to reclaim it.

Cambodia, on the other hand, has tried to be patient and resolve the conflict peacefully, adhering to the principle of defending itself and its territory.

If the Thai army attacks the Cambodian army, then the Cambodian army will retaliate.

Why is it so hard for the Thai people to talk peace and choose a ceasefire, even though they have acknowledged that the Thai army has invaded Cambodia?

On December 12, Miss World 2025 Opal Suchata urged young people to seek peace and act peacefully at the Global Leadership Achievement Award ceremony, but was heavily criticised by Thai people.

On December 13, Pravit Rojanaphruk, a veteran journalist for Khaosod English, initiated a peace walk at in Bangkok. He hoped that many people would join him. Only six Thai people, including him, appeared at the venue, with 10 attending in Chiang Mai. Not only that, he was harshly criticised by the majority of the Thai population.

The rank and file in the Thai military have been vocal and expressed warlike attitudes like invading, destroying and claiming certain areas from Cambodia, even to the point of killing Cambodian civilians.

It is noted that countless comments on social media and Thai YouTube channels regarding the Cambodian-Thai border conflict, most of them are inciting and urging the Thai army to continue military operations against Cambodia. They have little or no thought for the displaced Thai people who are the real victims.

As for the Cambodian people from all backgrounds and walks of life, they are calling for peace and building peace. They want to see the Thai military cease all hostilities.

My question to the Thai government and the Thai military is: “How long will you continue to dream of Cambodian territory. When will you stop finding excuses for war? Why do you keep using the old tactics that your ancestors used to apply to Cambodia in the 18th century to the 21st century? Do you think Cambodia will still allow you to do this?”

My question to the Thai people is: “Do you believe if this territory was once yours, why do Cambodians call you a nation of thieves for generation and till this day? Do you hear or not? Do you know or do not know?”

I understand that if Thailand really wants to resolve the border dispute within this generation and end it immediately, the best solution for both of our countries is:

• Thai troops cease fire.
• Resolve the dispute peacefully and with the participation of a third party, because resolving it only between Cambodia and Thailand is no longer effective.
• Return to implementing the joint declaration signed in Kuala Lumpur in October​ 2025.
• Stop trying to find excuses for war and spread false narrative.

It is obvious that the use of military force is not a solution, which will drag on for generations. Using military force to resolve this conflict is like “boiling water”. When you forcefully close the lid of the kettle and turn on the heat, the water will boil even more, spilling out until it dries. In the end, you will get nothing.

But if we open the lid, turn off the heat, and cool it down, we all get warm water to enjoy.

So Farina is deputy director of the Documentation Center of Cambodia (DC-Cam). The views and opinions expressed are her own.