PHNOM PENH: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told the 81st UN General Assembly on Thursday (Sept 24) that Thailand has never sought conflict and called for genuine efforts from Cambodia to build peace.
As a Cambodian citizen, I welcome every genuine call for peace. Cambodia has no interest in war. However, lasting peace requires more than diplomatic statements. It requires respect for sovereignty, international law, existing agreements, credible evidence and the equal rights of all nations.
If Thailand genuinely seeks peace, both countries must address their disagreements through dialogue, independent verification, and peaceful legal mechanisms — not through political pressure, military pressure or competing narratives.
Online scams and territorial sovereignty are separate issues
Thailand is entitled to raise the serious problem of online scams and transnational crime at the international level. Cambodia should also cooperate in combating criminal networks, protecting victims and strengthening cross-border law enforcement.
However, online crime and territorial sovereignty are fundamentally different issues. Online scams concern transnational criminal activity, while territorial disputes involve borders, sovereignty, historical agreements, maps and international law.
One issue must not be used to overshadow or replace examination of the other.
I do not claim, without evidence, that Thailand intends to divert international attention from territorial concerns. Motives should be established through evidence, not assumptions. Nevertheless, the international community has a responsibility to examine both issues independently and fairly.
If Thailand expects international institutions to listen to its concerns about online crime, Cambodia should have the same opportunity to present its concerns regarding sovereignty and territorial integrity.
That is not hostility toward Thailand. It is a request for equal treatment under international law.
Peace requires evidence and independent verification
Some countries are geographically distant from Cambodia and Thailand and may not fully understand the realities along the border. Their understanding may depend on government statements, media reports, historical documents, maps and other information provided by the parties involved.
For this reason, international institutions should examine relevant treaties, historical agreements, established international legal decisions, independently verified information and the experiences of affected communities.
No government should expect its narrative to be accepted without scrutiny. Cambodia, too, should be prepared to accept independent examination of its claims and actions.
International justice requires that all relevant evidence be considered, regardless of which country presents it.
A shared responsibility for peace
Prime Minister Anutin’s call for peace provides an opportunity for both countries to strengthen peaceful mechanisms.
This should include:
Respect for international law and existing agreements.
Meaningful dialogue and restraint.
Independent verification of disputed facts.
Protection of civilians living along the border.
Use of appropriate bilateral and international dispute-settlement mechanisms.
Peace should not depend on military strength, economic power or diplomatic influence. It should depend on rules that both sides respect.
If Thailand has never sought conflict, as its prime minister stated, then that commitment should be demonstrated through actions that reduce tensions and support peaceful solutions.
The Cambodian and Thai people deserve peace
The Cambodian people do not need another war, and neither do the Thai people. Communities along both sides of the border deserve security, dignity, economic opportunity and freedom from fear.
Governments may disagree over history, territory and legal interpretations, but ordinary Cambodian and Thai people should not become enemies because of unresolved disputes between their governments.
Cambodia and Thailand can pursue cooperation against online crime while addressing territorial questions through appropriate legal and diplomatic channels. These responsibilities are not mutually exclusive.
The UN should listen to both countries, examine the evidence impartially and ensure that international law is applied equally to powerful and less powerful states.
A final appeal
As a Cambodian citizen, I do not call for confrontation with Thailand. I call for truth, evidence, dialogue, accountability and respect for international law.
I respect the Thai people, just as I expect Thailand to respect the Cambodian people. Lasting peace cannot be built by avoiding difficult questions or allowing one issue to overshadow another.
If Thailand genuinely seeks peace, Cambodia should welcome that message. But peace must be demonstrated through conduct, not words alone.
Let both countries strengthen peaceful mechanisms. Let disputed facts be independently examined. Let sovereignty be respected and let international law apply equally.
Peace must not mean silence. Peace must mean justice. And justice must begin with equal respect for international law. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
[By Tesh Chanthorn is a Cambodian citizen who longs for peace. The views and opinions expressed are his own.]
