Recent remarks by Ms. Sarunnan Arannoporn, Chair of Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Committee, accused Cambodia of provoking Thai nationalism through symbolic acts, such as singing the Cambodian national anthem at temples and entering disputed areas. She further described Cambodia’s actions as "below the belt" interference in Thailand’s internal politics.
Here is the 3 insights:
1. Anthem as Sovereignty, Not Aggression
From Cambodia’s standpoint, the singing of the national anthem at temples and schools is a daily, cultural tradition conducted within its own territory. It is not designed to provoke external reactions. The areas where these activities occurred, including temples near the border, are not new sites of contention and have long been integrated into Cambodian civic and religious life.
What raised alarm in Cambodia was the reported killing of a Cambodian soldier by Thai military forces following alleged border incursions. Cambodian officials argue that this incident, not the anthem, was the real provocation and one that violates international norms and ASEAN principles of peaceful conduct and mutual respect.
2. Nationalism as Reaction, Not Political Strategy
There have been suggestions from the Thai side that Cambodia may be leveraging the border situation to stoke nationalist sentiment ahead of its 2027 local elections. However, if the timeline is considered, the first moves, military deployments, economic restrictions, and public accusations, originated from Thailand.
Cambodia’s response has been shaped by a growing sense of frustration. The narrative emerging in Cambodian media and among officials reflects a sentiment that Thailand’s actions have inflicted repeated harm: violating territorial norms, restricting cross-border trade, and amplifying tensions during a period of political instability in Bangkok. Cambodia’s national sentiment, in this context, appears more reactive than calculated, a defensive response to both perceived and real grievances.
3. The Border Closure Issue: Who Holds the Key?
Perhaps the clearest indicator of the asymmetry lies in the issue of border closures. On 29 June 2025, Cambodian authorities received requests from Thai officials in Sa Kaeo province to reopen specific crossings for the passage of goods, citing humanitarian and economic impacts.
Cambodia’s official position is as follows:
- Cambodia never initiated border closures since the late-May incident in the Mom Bei area. It claims to have kept crossings open to avoid harming the livelihoods of people on both sides.
- Starting from 7 June 2025, the Thai military unilaterally began closing crossings, adjusting operating hours, and restricting movement of goods and people, without formal coordination. This continued until 24 June, when full closures were declared.
- Cambodia emphasizes that the inconsistency between Thai political statements and military actions on the ground complicates negotiations. As long as internal alignment in Thailand remains unclear, finding a stable resolution will be difficult.
Cambodia’s Prime Minister has offered a clear condition: if Thailand restores all border crossings to their original status and commits not to unilaterally close them again, Cambodia will reciprocate within five hours. In his words, “The key is in Thai hands.”
Author: DeNotorious