On commitment to peace, justice, and human dignity in Thailand and Cambodia

We, academics, scholars, civil society leaders, independent voices for peace, justice, and human dignity from South-East Asia, issue this urgent statement to leaders in Thailand, Cambodia, and Asean. Recent tensions along the Thailand–Cambodia border threaten regional peace and security, put border communities at risk, and undermine Asean’s values of dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful dispute settlement.

We speak with humility and resolve. We believe peace is more than the absence of war. It requires justice, accountability, and moral courage to cooperate, even in deep mistrust. Conflicts come with heavy costs. Preventing tragedy is a shared responsibility, especially for leaders.

We call on the governments of Thailand, Cambodia, and Asean to take immediate, principled action, grounded in international law and shared humanity, based on the following six key pillars:

1. Strict Adherence to the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord

The Joint Declaration by the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, known as the “Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord,” signed on Oct 26, 2025 in Kuala Lumpur,

must be carried out in full, without delay or exception.

1.1 We encourage the governments of Cambodia and Thailand to fully honour the spirit and letter of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord, emphasising that all provisions — ceasefire mechanisms, humanitarian demining, relocation of heavy weapons and troops, and refraining from disseminating or promoting false information, allegations, accusations, and harmful rhetoric—should be implemented objectively, transparently, and without delay.

1.2 The Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord is not optional but a binding political obligation at the highest level of government. Any deviation would risk causing serious harm to communities along both sides of the border, regional confidence, and Asean's credibility.

1.3 We invite the Asean Chair to play an active, impartial, and consistent role. We respectfully request that the Asean Chair and Asean Observer Team (AOT) execute their mandate with full professionalism, accuracy, and transparency. Errors, such as the recent lapse in public communication, must not recur.

2. Establish an Independent, Transparent Inquiry

We urge the governments of Cambodia and Thailand to jointly initiate a transparent, impartial inquiry. This inquiry should be led by an independent mission to investigate recent border incidents. Both countries, as parties to the Ottawa Convention, should request that the Convention Chair establish a fact-finding commission. This fulfills both a technical and moral duty to uphold truth, ensures accountability, and builds trust, as defined by Article 4 of the Joint Declaration signed on Oct 26, 2025 in Kuala Lumpur.

3. Give Peace Every Chance in Accordance with International and Regional Norms

We call on both parties to adhere to the spirit and letter of the UN Charter, the Asean Charter, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC). Any conflict likely to endanger the maintenance of international and regional peace and security must be addressed through negotiation, inquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial mechanisms, or other peaceful means. In particular, we emphasize the need to adhere to Article 33 of the UN Charter and Article 22 of the Asean Charter, as well as the entire purpose of the TAC. We encourage the leaders to explore establishing a High Council, as stipulated in Articles 14 and 15 of the TAC, as part of the conflict-resolution mechanism. Concerning the use of force in self-defence, reference to Article 51 of the UN Charter must be an absolute last resort. All parties must always keep in mind that one of the chief aims of the UN Charter is to minimise unilateral use of force in the conduct of international affairs.

4. Safeguard the Rights and Dignity of Affected Communities

The rights and dignity of people affected by border tensions must be protected. Affected communities should be empowered to participate meaningfully at all levels of negotiations— local, national, and regional. Needs-based assessments, consultations, and fair reparations must guide recovery, ensuring that no voice is left unheard in shaping the path forward.

5. Promote People-to-People Diplomacy and Counter Hateful Narratives

We call for the establishment of platforms for dialogue involving academics, civil society, policymakers, media, business, and affected communities to foster trust, reconciliation, and long-term peaceful coexistence. While there is a need to protect freedom of expression, non-state actors and influencers must be held to high standards and be accountable to ensure they do not propagate hatred, dehumanisation, or disinformation that further harms fragile peace and democratic governance.

6. Transform Conflict Narratives Through Education

To break cycles of conflict shaped by historical grievances, we urge a thorough reexamination and reevaluation of history textbooks and learning materials in both Thailand and Cambodia with a view to promoting mutual understanding, reducing prejudice, and helping a new generation see neighbours as partners for peace and prosperity.

We stand at a crossroads as a peaceful region. We call on leaders to move past nationalist rhetoric and historical animosity. Now is the time to accept their shared duty to uphold peace, justice, and human dignity.

We call on the governments of both countries to act with moral courage and cooperation, and on Asean to lead with integrity and purpose. As stakeholders, we stand ready to support efforts toward a just and lasting peace.

ACADEMICS, SCHOLARS, CIVIL SOCIETY LEADERS and INDEPENDENT VOICES from SOUTH-EAST ASIA