Over the past week, Thailand has appeared determined to damage Cambodia’s image. But ironically, it’s Thailand that keeps losing face, from the sudden delay in returning 20 Khmer artifacts to politically charged attacks on a so-called “Khmer tycoon.”
Thailand had previously agreed to return 20 Khmer artifacts to Cambodia. Yet recently, the suspended Prime Minister, now serving as Minister of Culture, announced that the delivery would be postponed due to “budget constraints” and border dispute. This decision reflects how emotion is overtaking strategy in Thailand’s diplomacy. A commitment made in good faith was turned into a political tool, making the Thai government appear unprofessional, unreliable, and impulsive.
Cambodia’s response was calm and cutting. Cambodia responded firmly, essentially saying "if you don’t have money, we will pay for that”. Cambodia government offered to cover all transportation costs, leaving Thailand with no excuse except embarrassment. A moment meant to humiliate Cambodia instead allowed it to shine on the regional stage.
The raid titled “Shut Down Mule Account Buildings” was clearly designed to link Cambodia to transnational cybercrime. However, the strategy quickly backfired on Thailand. All the buildings raided were located on Thai soil, not in Cambodia, which it is a fact that undercut the attempt to frame this as a “Khmer” problem. Instead of highlighting Cambodian wrongdoing, the operation inadvertently exposed Thailand’s own long-standing enforcement failures, and proves the fact that Thailand is having a large hub of cybercrime. The narrative shifted from blaming Cambodia to questioning how such large-scale operations were allowed to thrive for so long within Thailand’s own jurisdiction. In trying to shame its neighbor, Thailand ended up drawing attention to its own complicity. All in all, Thailand used this case just to paint bad image on Cambodian leader and people who has close connection with Cambodian leaders.
Former Prime Minister, Samdech Hun Sen hit back, accusing Thailand of being the real hub of cybercrime and daring Thai courts to investigate Thaksin Shinawatra “so close to me, he has a reserved room in my house.” What began as a smear campaign against Cambodia ended with Thailand exposing its own contradictions and insecurities.
It is clear from the recent tensions that Thailand’s actions reveal not strength, but a crisis of diplomatic maturity. By repeatedly miscalculating, for instance, delaying the artifact return, then in launching politically charged attacks, Thailand handed Cambodia the momentum. Instead of weakening Cambodia’s position, these actions allowed Phnom Penh to remain composed, take the high ground, and even turn the narrative to its advantage.
While Thailand kept swinging, Cambodia stood firm.
Author: PanhaCHEZDA