In recent days, global media outlets have increasingly echoed Thailand’s narrative, portraying Cambodia as the instigator of a conflict that has already claimed dozens of lives, injured thousands, and caused significant damage to vital infrastructure. This biased framing obscures the reality: Thailand continues to reject international mediation and intervention, despite its public claims of seeking peace.
On July 26, 2025, Thailand verbally agreed to a ceasefire during a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump. Yet, mere minutes after this agreement, Thai forces resumed heavy attacks, breaking their promise for the second time. The first ceasefire, initiated by Malaysia’s Prime Minister, had lasted only a few hours before Thailand reignited the conflict.
By early July 27, Thailand had expanded its military presence along the border next to Battambang Province and deployed its navy, threatening to extend attacks beyond the primary conflict zones. These tactics of distraction and psychological warfare are designed to stretch Cambodian defenses, enabling Thailand to pursue territorial claims based on baseless assertions that contradict internationally recognized maps drawn by France prior to Cambodia’s independence.
Thailand’s repeated breaches of ceasefire agreements reveal a clear disregard for peaceful solutions. Cambodia, on the other hand, has consistently sought international intervention (e.g. ICJ) and honored its commitments to peace despite Thai violations. The global community must recognize that Cambodia is being dragged into this conflict against its will. Without firm defense, Cambodia risks both its sovereignty and its dignity, allowing aggression to prevail over international law.
Author: HUY PanhaCHEZDA