By Surya Narayan
Special Editorial | August 30, 2025
Witnessing the Struggles of Border Families
After starting at Battambang Provincial Hall, I visited the war-affected border areas and encountered heartbreaking scenes. Families who had lived peacefully on their land for generations were now unable to return to their homes. Some explained how farmland had been blocked, while others said their houses had been occupied by Thai forces. Mothers sheltered their children under makeshift roofs, and elders spoke of land passed down through generations. Their words were filled with sorrow and fear.
The sight of Cambodian soldiers guarding positions without weapons left a profound impression on me. They were upholding the ceasefire with discipline and dignity. This was not weakness. It was a powerful symbol of Cambodia’s choice to pursue peace over provocation, even under pressure.
A Border Written by History
The roots of today’s dispute go back to the early twentieth century. Under the Franco–Siamese treaties of 1904 and 1907, maps were drawn that placed areas like Preah Vihear Temple within Cambodian territory. These maps, accepted by both sides at the time, became the foundation of the border.
In 1962, the International Court of Justice ruled that Preah Vihear Temple belonged to Cambodia. Fifty years later, in 2013, the Court reaffirmed Cambodia’s sovereignty by declaring that the entire promontory on which the temple stands is Cambodian land. These rulings are clear and binding. International law firmly establishes Cambodia’s sovereignty over these areas.
The Ceasefire and Captured Soldiers
In late July this year, Cambodia and Thailand agreed to a ceasefire. Yet, despite this truce, several Cambodian soldiers were captured by Thai forces. While some have been released, many remain in custody. For their families, these are not just soldiers but loved ones, fathers, sons, and brothers who deserve to return home.
The fact that these captures took place after the ceasefire began makes the situation more serious. It represents a violation of both trust and humanitarian norms. Cambodia has consistently called for their release, in line with international law and the spirit of peace.
Voices of Cambodian Leadership
The Senate’s Second Vice President, H.E. Thun Vathana, addressed the situation with clarity and conviction. His words must be remembered: “The world must listen to the right narrative of this war. Cambodia is the victim. Cambodia does not want conflict, and it has always upheld peace.” These words reflect Cambodia’s true position. It has never sought aggression, but it cannot remain silent when its sovereignty and its people are under threat.
H.E. Dith Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, provided further details during the visit. He explained how Cambodian families are unable to return to their homes and how farmland has been lost. He stressed that Cambodia has not provoked Thailand and that its soldiers are committed to respecting the ceasefire. His message was firm yet diplomatic: Cambodia stands for peace, but it calls on Thailand to withdraw and respect Cambodian sovereignty.
The Prime Minister’s Guiding Vision
The approach of Cambodia’s government reflects the leadership of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia. From the outset, he has been clear: war will not benefit anyone. His strategy has focused on diplomacy, humanitarian support, and adherence to international law.
Under his leadership, Cambodia has ensured relief reaches displaced families, strengthened cooperation with ASEAN, and pressed its case internationally with dignity. His vision is not one of conflict but of development, building an economy that attracts investment, creates jobs, and delivers stability for Cambodian people.
Why Peace Must Prevail
The scenes I witnessed reaffirmed an undeniable truth. Cambodia has chosen peace even when provoked. The soldiers on the frontline, standing without weapons, symbolise a nation that refuses to escalate. This does not mean Cambodia is weak. On the contrary, it demonstrates a deeper strength: the discipline to hold peace as a principle even under pressure.
Yet peace must be just. Cambodia has every right to defend its land and people. Peace built on one side’s suffering cannot endure. True peace requires fairness, respect, and recognition of Cambodia’s sovereignty.
Cambodia and Thailand’s Shared Future
Cambodia and Thailand are not destined to be rivals. The two nations share centuries of cultural, religious, and historical ties. Their futures should be bound by cooperation, trade, and shared prosperity. Cambodia’s position is not against Thailand; it is for peace.
But peace cannot come at the expense of sovereignty. Only when Cambodia’s territorial integrity is respected and its people are allowed to return to their homes can the relationship between the two nations move forward on stable ground.
Cambodia’s Appeal to the World
The international community must hear Cambodia’s voice. It is the voice of families displaced on their own soil, of soldiers held in custody after a ceasefire, of leaders who choose diplomacy over aggression. Cambodia has respected international law, upheld ceasefires, and avoided provocation. This record must be acknowledged.
The steps forward are clear: the release of Cambodian soldiers captured after the ceasefire, the withdrawal of Thai forces from Cambodian territory, and the restoration of access for Cambodian families to their homes and land. These are not radical demands. They are reasonable appeals to justice.
Cambodia’s Unwavering Stand
My visit to the border confirmed what Cambodia has long demonstrated. This is a peaceful nation that values dialogue over conflict, development over destruction, and cooperation over confrontation. At the same time, Cambodia will never compromise its sovereignty or abandon its people.
The leadership of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, the determination of H.E. Thun Vathana, and the clarity of H.E. Dith Tina all show a government that stands firmly with its people. Cambodia does not want war. It wants peace. But peace must come with dignity and respect.
The world must listen to Cambodia’s narrative. It is a story of a nation that has chosen peace but one that will always defend its sovereignty. Cambodia’s people deserve no less.
