The Patriot’s Paradox: Thailand’s Withdrawal From MOU 44, Cheap Nationalism, and Elite Interests

 

 

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s recent election victory could spell trouble for Thailand-Cambodia relations. His electoral success and subsequent policy statement proposing Thailand’s withdrawal from the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU 44) — a framework for bilateral negotiations over disputed maritime areas between Thailand and Cambodia — represent a deep contradiction for Thailand: the use of cheap nationalism may advance elite interests at the expense of Thai national interests.

Cambodia and Thailand share a long land and sea border, much of which is disputed. The maritime dispute dates back to 1972, when Cambodian Prime Minister Lon Nol issued two presidential decrees using the Thai island of Koh Kut as the reference point for Cambodia’s territorial claims in the Gulf of Thailand. This Overlapping Claims Area (OCA) comprises some 27,000 square kilometres of maritime territory. On the one hand, it is estimated to contain natural gas reserves of around 311 billion cubic metres, as well as sizeable oil reserves. On the other hand, questions of territory inevitably fall within the bounds of sovereignty — one of the most sensitive issues for Southeast Asian countries. The future viability of MOU 44 has now come into question, re-intensifying territorial tensions between the two countries.

Filling the void: MOU 44

Signed by Cambodia and Thailand in June 2001, MOU 44 reflected two primary points of interest. First, it marked a triumph of diplomacy between the two Southeast Asian countries. As the second in a pair of boundary agreements — following MOU 43 (2000), which focused on land borders — MOU 44 addressed maritime territory and provided a framework for bilateral negotiations. At the time, neither country had yet become a signatory of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), leaving no prior framework for conflict resolution. Together, the twin MOUs represented a ‘golden age’ of cooperation between the two countries, when mutually beneficial outcomes were the primary philosophy guiding their relations.

24 Hours in Ancient Angkor | The God-King's City (1150 AD)

When Donald Trump said he wanted to return Iran “to the Stone Age”, it was a line intended to project force and intimidate.…

Cambodia Proposes April Talks to Resolve Border Disputes

 

 

PHNOM PENH, April 7, 2026 — Cambodia has called on Thailand to urgently resume joint border talks and field surveys, while reiterating its rejection of any unilateral changes to the boundary line. In a statement, the State Secretariat of Border Affairs said it had repeatedly proposed convening a special meeting of the Cambodia–Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), but that the Thai side had delayed participation, citing internal procedures. 

 The Cambodian side renewed its proposal through a diplomatic note dated April 7, urging both sides to hold a special JBC meeting in Siem Reap between April 17 and 22. It also called for the deployment of joint survey teams to resume demarcation work and the installation of temporary markers along several contested border segments, including areas in Banteay Meanchey and Battambang provinces. Further proposals include replacing previously agreed boundary pillars and conducting additional surveys in key zones such as O Smach and other sensitive areas, in line with existing bilateral agreements. Cambodia also suggested holding follow-up technical and operational meetings in early May to advance the process. 

 The statement reaffirmed Cambodia’s “firm stance” against what it described as illegal occupation and violations of its territorial integrity, while rejecting any boundary changes resulting from the use of force. It stressed that the border must be respected in accordance with international law, historical treaties and previously agreed maps and documents. Phnom Penh said it remains committed to resolving border issues peacefully through established mechanisms, while urging Thailand to engage constructively and adhere to prior agreements.

Time to Act: Anutin’s New Cabinet Is Obliged to Return to the JBC Negotiation Table with Cambodia to Continue Resolving Border Issues

France Visit Offers Cambodia Chance to Press Border Case

 

PHNOM PENH, April 4, 2026 — Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet is set to visit France next week for high-level talks and a global summit, with analysts suggesting the trip could be used to advance Phnom Penh’s position on its border dispute with Thailand.

Hun Manet will travel to Paris and Lyon from April 6 to 9 to attend the One Health Summit, where he is scheduled to meet French President Emmanuel Macron, according to Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The visit, made at Macron’s invitation, will also include bilateral meetings with French officials and other world leaders aimed at strengthening ties and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, the ministry said.

The One Health Summit, a flagship event under France’s 2026 G7 presidency, will bring together heads of state, international organisations, scientists and development partners to address links between human, animal and environmental health.

Analysts say the visit provides an opportunity for Cambodia to highlight its stance on the ongoing border issue with Thailand, including efforts to secure access to historical documents from the French colonial era that could support legal processes related to boundary demarcation.

Kin Phea, director of the International Relations Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said the trip offers a platform to clarify Cambodia’s position and reinforce international legal principles.

“Cambodia can use this opportunity to reaffirm international legal conventions, bilateral treaties and historical records that underpin its territorial integrity,” he said.

He added that Phnom Penh has consistently pursued a peaceful approach, emphasising dialogue and legal mechanisms over confrontation.

Hun Manet will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn and other senior officials, as well as his spouse Pich Chanmony.

Cambodia and Thailand have long-standing border disputes in several areas, though both sides have committed to resolving differences through diplomatic channels and established bilateral frameworks.  

Cambodia Says Thai Forces Deployed Armor at O Smach

The Thais have evidently chosen short term gains over pursuing long term, lasting path of peace and stability both in the region and for themselves. It is far too naive to resort to that medieval mindset of their blood-thirsty, rapacious ancestors in these days and age when they were taking advantage of a fractious, declining kingdom of Cambodia or the Khmer Empire. 

As Albert Einstein once said, peace cannot be achieved through force or coercion; it can only be attained through understanding. A war or conflict of this kind does not in itself put a permanent stop to further conflicts or their emergences in future time just because one side has lost a battle or two and this outburst of military aggression will have only planted certain seeds of further protracted retaliations and reactions even if the present Cambodian leadership is not equipped to meet that aggression. 

It is both a folly of the mind and an illusion on the grandest scale to imagine that seizing villages and lands with armoured vehicles and tanks and erecting border-markers with shipping containers, sand bags and barbed wires and, lest one forgets, doing all this on the backs of the sufferings and anguish of hundreds of thousands of innocents who have been violently forced off their homes, lands and villages. That's not exactly how one mends one's fences with one's neighbours. 

-Social media 

 

PHNOM PENH, April 3, 2026 — Cambodia on Thursday rejected allegations by the Royal Thai Army that its forces had engaged in provocative actions along the border, calling the claims “entirely untrue and baseless” and accusing Thai troops of unauthorized deployments in a disputed area.

 

In a statement, Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, spokeswoman for Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence, said Cambodian forces had acted with “restraint, responsibility and professionalism” while maintaining vigilance to protect national sovereignty.

 

The response followed a post published earlier the same day by the Royal Thai Army on its official Facebook page, which alleged provocative actions by Cambodian troops and reported reinforcement measures at the O Smach border crossing.

 

Cambodia, however, said Thai forces had deployed two armored vehicles and around 70 personnel at the O Smach International Border Checkpoint in Oddar Meanchey province at about 6:20 a.m. local time. The statement further accused Thai troops of reinforcing barbed wire in areas described as being under “illegal occupation” and conducting military activities without prior notification.

 

According to Phnom Penh, its Military Region 4 liaison team contacted Thailand’s Military Region 2 to demand an immediate halt to the activities and urged compliance with existing agreements.

 

The Cambodian side also referenced a recent verification by the ASEAN Observer Team, which inspected the situation at the crossing on March 29.

 

Despite a ceasefire in place, Cambodia said it remained committed to implementing agreements reached under the Cambodia–Thailand General Border Committee, including a joint statement issued in December 2025 and a peace declaration signed in October 2025.

 

The Defence Ministry called on Thailand to “reciprocate consistency, goodwill and honesty” to ensure stability and long-term security along the border.

 

Border tensions between the Southeast Asian neighbors have flared intermittently over disputed areas, though both sides have pledged to resolve differences through dialogue and existing bilateral mechanisms.

Cambodia Says Thai Move to Cancel MOU Violates International Law

 

 

PHNOM PENH, March 26, 2026 — Cambodia has rejected calls by a Thai Senate panel to revoke a long-standing border agreement, warning that such a move would violate international law and undermine efforts to maintain peace along the border.

In a statement, the State Secretariat of Border Affairs said it “firmly rejects and entirely dismisses” recommendations to cancel the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU 43), describing them as unfounded and politically motivated.

The MOU, signed by both countries and registered with the United Nations, serves as a legal framework for resolving border issues through the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC).

Cambodia said Thailand cannot unilaterally revoke the agreement under international law, citing the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties.

Officials added that the JBC has made progress in demarcation work, including identifying boundary pillars and conducting joint surveys.

Phnom Penh reaffirmed its commitment to resolving disputes peacefully and warned that revoking the agreement would hinder stability and cooperation along the border. 

Golden memories ...

 

ការធ្វើថៃភាគីយកម្ម = Thaification

ទាហានថៃ ដំឡើងទង់ជាតិដែលបំពានទឹកដីកម្ពុជា នៅ​ចំពោះមុខអង្គទូតបរទេស…

Quote, unquote ...

 

 

A 1,000-year-old cliff-top temple lies battered after Cambodia-Thailand border clashes

 

Cambodian police officers walk past a temple damaged during border clashes with Thailand, at Preah Vihear province, Cambodia, Saturday, March 14, 2026, (AP Photo/Heng Sinith) 

 

By SOPHENG CHEANG Updated 10:38 AM GMT, March 24, 2026 Leer en español Comments 1 

 

PREAH VIHEAR, Cambodia (AP) — It’s been three months since a ceasefire ended bitter border fighting between Cambodia and Thailand, but signs of combat are cut deep in this 11th-century Hindu temple atop a 525-meter (1,722-foot) cliff in the Dangrek Mountains. The neighboring Southeast Asian countries have been fighting over Preah Vihear temple on and off for decades, and that’s putting the ancient holy site in danger. Built by the same Khmer Empire that constructed Angkor Wat 160 kilometers (100 miles) southwest, the temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008 and is held as an important cultural relic by Cambodians. The empire was Hindu, but gradually converted to Buddhism, the state religion of modern Cambodia. But after two rounds of major combat last year, much of the structure is damaged and Cambodian officials say that parts of the temple may be in danger of collapse.

There’s lots of wreckage, but no tourists

Journalists visit the Preah Vihear temple, damaged during border clashes with Thailand, at Preah Vihear province, Cambodia, Saturday, March 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

Where tourists once admired the weather-beaten structure’s elaborate carvings and a magnificent view over the Cambodian plains, there is now stone debris, along with artillery craters and the ashes of burned vegetation.

“The temple has turned quiet, and its beauty looks so sorrowful because of the tragedy,” Hem Sinath, archaeologist and deputy director-general of the National Authority for Preah Vihear, told Associated Press journalists visiting earlier this month.

My perspective and recommendations about the Thai Aggression against Cambodia

One wonders how much of all this Thai aggression has been planned and predetermined by what Thai people and school children have been indoctrinated by the Thai elite's falsified and concocted accounts of history. Even today despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary most Thais still believe it is Cambodia who encroached on Thai territory; Cambodians fired first, Cambodia planted the landmines that Thai soldiers stepped on, Cambodians used ancient sacred temples as "military bunkers" thus are legitimates targets of Thai attack and destruction, Cambodians "copy" traditional Thai dress ... In fact a public survey recently revealed most Thais - around 60% or more - want Thailand to sever all ties with their Cambodian neighbours. 

As a human being I don't want to see anyone or any people harmed just because they belong to a certain nationality or geography, but equally I strongly detest how the strong bully the weak or disadvantaged. Some Thai xenophobes and politicians label the Khmers as "crocodiles" or ungrateful, pointing to the refuge provided by Thailand to many of them in the 1980s having created the second Killing Field by forcing thousands of Cambodian refugees off the steep cliffs of the Dang Rek mountain and under pressure from the international community to shelter these unfortunate civilians. Most of these refugees were in fact camped just inside Cambodian territory along the border where they risked real harm from armed groups and bandits from all sides at the time such as rape, beating, extortion or human trafficking. 

These were the people who had been deeply traumatised by what they had experienced under the Pol Pot regime earlier. Other refugee camps that were inside Thai territory also situated just across the border in close proximity to the ones over the border under control of Cambodian resistance factions, including the KR whom Thailand tacitly backed as a buffer against Vietnam's presence along Thailand's provinces. Many Thai towns along with communities along this border such as Aranyaprathet experienced economic boom virtually overnight as a result of the presence of the UN supervised refugee camps whom the Thai government refused to recognise as war refugees, preferring instead to designate them as "displaced people" as this designation meant less pressure on the Thais to comply with international laws and conventions on refugees. The Thai would have also seen the presence of these Cambodians scattered along the border effectively serving as human shields each time the Vietnamese army launched their attack against the Cambodian resistance groups. 

The presence of unexploded anti-personnel mines had been laid there during this war by mostly the China backed KR who was functioning as Thailand’s ally. It is along this stretch of land inside Cambodian territory that the Thais are now brutally evicting Cambodian villagers in the hundreds of thousands, most of who are still squatting in make-shift tents in squalid conditions with barely adequate amenities or essentials needed for human survival. 

If the term 'crocodile' applies to any people or group in the region it is perhaps the Thais/Siamese nation itself who had historically been the one to have been sheltered and fed by the Khmers and their kings as this sub-Sino group drifted into the territory of the Khmer empire. Once the T'ai or Siamese grew in strength and numbers they turned against their benefactors - the Khmers - taking over territories and population that we still see today. 

The modern day Thais are in fact standing entirely on former Khmer territory so without Cambodia to begin with all of what we call 'Thailand' would not have existed. The villages and territories along the border that Thailand have seized since the start of the recent armed invasion by its military and where shipping containers and barbed wires are being placed to stake Thai claims are the latest additions to Thailand's incessant, continued historical annexation of Cambodia's rightful existential space and home in the most literal sense.

-Social media 

 

ស្ត្រីម្នាក់​ត្រូវបានតុលាការ​ផ្ដន្ទាទោស​២ឆ្នាំ ដោយសារ​បង្ហោះ​សារ​រឿង​ជម្លោះព្រំដែន​កម្ពុជា​-​ថៃ

 

ប្ដី​របស់​កម្មការិនី​រោងចក្រ​ម្នាក់​ស្នើ​ឲ្យ​លោកនាយក​រដ្ឋមន្ត្រី ហ៊ុន ម៉ាណែត ជួយ​អន្តរាគមន៍​ទៅ​តុលាការ​ដោះលែង​ប្រពន្ធ​ឲ្យ​មាន​សេរីភាព​វិញ ដោយ​ថា​ប្រពន្ធ របស់​លោក​​គ្មាន​កំហុស​ដូច​ការចោទប្រកាន់​ឡើយ​។ សំណើ​នេះ ធ្វើ​ឡើង​បន្ទាប់​ពី​តុលាការ​ផ្ដន្ទាទោស​កម្មការិនី​រោងចក្រ លោកស្រី ហ៊ុល មុន្នីសាមន ឲ្យ​ជាប់ ពន្ធនាគារ ២​ឆ្នាំ និង​ពិន័យ​ជា​ប្រាក់ ៤ លាន​រៀល ពាក់​ព​ព័ន្ធ​នឹង​ការ​បញ្ចេញ​មតិ រឿង​ជម្លោះព្រំដែន​កម្ពុជា​-​ថៃ។

ប្ដី​របស់​កម្មការិនី​រោងចក្រ អះអាង​ថា លោក​នឹង​ប្ដឹង​ជំទាស់​ចំពោះ​សេចក្ដីសម្រេច របស់​សាលាដំបូង​រាជធានី​ភ្នំពេញ ទៅ​សាលាឧទ្ធរណ៍​បន្ត​ទៀត ដោយ​លោក ចាត់ទុក​ការ ផ្ដន្ទាទោស​ប្រពន្ធ​របស់​លោក ឲ្យ​ជាប់ពន្ធនាគារ ២ ឆ្នាំ ពី​បទ​«​ញុះញង់ និង​ប្រមាថ​» ពាក់ព័ន្ធ​នឹង​ការ​បញ្ចេញ​មតិ​ថា ជា​រឿង​អយុត្តិធម៌។

ប្ដី​របស់​កម្មការិនី​រោងចក្រ លោកស្រី ហ៊ុល មុន្នីសាមន គឺ​លោក ឆេង ចន្ទធា ប្រាប់​ទូរទស្សន៍​អាស៊ីសេរី នៅ​ថ្ងៃទី​២៤ ខែមីនា ថា ប្រសិនបើ​ប្រពន្ធ​របស់​លោក បញ្ចេញមតិ​ទៅ​ខុសឆ្គង គួរ​ធ្វើ​ការអប់រំ ពីព្រោះ​ប្រពន្ធ​របស់​លោក គ្រាន់តែ​ជា កម្មការិនី​រោងចក្រ ហើយ​មាន​ជំងឺ​ជាប់​ខ្លួន​ទៀត។

លោក ឆេង ចន្ទធា៖ «គេ​អ្នកខ្លះ​គ្រោះថ្នាក់​ចរាចរណ៍​បុក​ដល់​ស្លាប់​ដល់​អី ហើយ​គាត់ គ្រាន់តែ​និយាយ​លើ​បណ្ដាញ​សង្គម គាត់​ជា​ប្រជាពលរដ្ឋ​មួយ​រូប គ្រាន់តែ​និយាយ ប៉ុណ្ណឹង គាត់​មានទោស​ដល់​ជាប់គុក ជាប់​ច្រវាក់។ សំណូមពរ​ទៅ​ខាង​អាជ្ញាធរ សំណូមពរ​ទៅ​ខាង​តុលាការ ដោះលែង​គាត់ ដើម្បី​យក​គាត់​មក​ព្យាបាល នៅ​ខាងក្រៅ​វិញ»។

លោក ឆេង ចន្ទធា ទទូច​ឲ្យ​លោក ហ៊ុន ម៉ាណែត ជួយ​អន្តរាគមន៍​ទៅ​តុលាការ ដោះលែង​ប្រពន្ធ​ឲ្យ​មាន​សេរីភាព​វិញ ដោយ​ថា ប្រពន្ធ​របស់​លោក​គ្រាន់តែ ជា​ពលរដ្ឋ​សាមញ្ញ​ប៉ុណ្ណោះ។

ព្រះអាទិត្យលិចយ៉ាងស្រស់ស្អាត នៅចំកំពូល ប្រាសាទបាគង

Japan Provides $17 Million to Support Cambodians Affected by Border Conflict

 

PHNOM PENH, March 23, 2026 — Japan has provided approximately $17 million in assistance to support Cambodian citizens affected by the Cambodia–Thailand border conflict, reinforcing international backing for Cambodia’s humanitarian needs and recovery efforts.

 

Speaking to reporters, Japan’s Ambassador to Cambodia, Ueno Atsushi, said the aid has been directed toward displaced Cambodian civilians, returning migrant workers from Thailand, and critical sectors such as mine action and unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance.

 

The support includes emergency assistance delivered in cooperation with the International Organization for Migration and UNICEF, including an initial $1.8 million package for border communities affected by armed clashes since mid-2025.

 

Since early 2026, Japan has expanded its support to assist vulnerable populations and returning workers, helping to stabilise livelihoods in areas impacted by tensions along the border.

The assistance underscores growing international recognition of the challenges faced by Cambodian communities, particularly those displaced by the conflict and exposed to lingering threats such as landmines and unexploded ordnance.

 

Ambassador Ueno reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting peace, stability and long-term development in Cambodia, while expressing hope that tensions between Cambodia and Thailand will be resolved through full adherence to ceasefire agreements, restraint and peaceful dialogue.

 

Cambodia and Japan, which established diplomatic relations in 1953, elevated ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023. Japan remains one of Cambodia’s most trusted development partners, playing a key role in infrastructure, human resource development and public service improvements.

Observers say Japan’s continued assistance highlights strong international solidarity with Cambodia and reinforces efforts to protect civilians, restore livelihoods and promote lasting peace in border areas.

 

ក្រសួងវប្បធម៏ ថៃ ចង់ដាក់ឈុតសម្លៀក បំពាក់ ដើម. កំណើត ថៃ ភាគខាងត្បូង តំណាងជាតិថៃ

 

It's not really Thai people's fault - the common people that is - that they reject their own true historical and cultural roots because their rulers have for centuries plundered and adopted Khmer cultural expressions and riches and claim these things as their own. For hundreds of years the T'ai or Siamese had been a subjugated ethnic minority subsisting in the shadow of the more dominant and enviable Khmer civilisation. In fact, the earlier Siamese adopted just about everything that were Khmer including architecture, writing system, language, religious rituals, greeting, royal court customs and etiquettes etc. not only traditional dress. 

The ancient Khmers had also absorbed and adopted ideas and cultural influences from India and integrated these into their own indigenous Khmer-Mon mainstream culture including within the sphere of religious worship and belief without jettisoning or rejecting their own Khmer-Mon roots. Nowhere is this more evident than in the practice of Khmer Buddhism today which is an amalgamation of Khmer indigenous animism, Indian Brahmanism and Buddhism. This process of integration and adoption of foreign influences is known as 'acculturation' in anthropology. 

It’s not hard to see why the Siamese rulers would want to rewrite and teach the Siamese people a completely distorted version of history unlike the Khmers who acknowledge ancient Indian influences with pride and dignity. Moreover, unlike the Siamese and modern day Thais the ancient Brahmans and India did not invade and plunder the Khmer empire or Cambodia with swords, cannons or F16s but rather with religious texts, knowledge, literature, science and cosmology and their undeniable influence and historical footprints can still be seen today across South East Asia. 

It’s not farfetched to surmise that these Siamese rulers would rather hide from their populace and descendents truths and facts that were uncomfortable, ignoble, characterising their deeds throughout their violent conquests and mistreatment of the Khmers than the truth of their savage and demonic past – not too dissimiliar to what the world is witnessing today through their illegal invasion and mistreatment of Cambodian people who have neither the desire for war nor military might to match theirs. 

-Social media 

Angkor equinox

When Faith Meets Conflict on the Border

Photo: Thai Press

    By: Chanroeun Pa
    March 21, 2026, 7:00 PM
    cambodianess 

Recent reports of monks taking part in land clearing and building religious structures such as Buddha statues along the Cambodia-Thailand border have raised concerns that go beyond politics.

This has happened especially in Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey where disputes remain unresolved. They touch on something deeper: our shared values, our faith, and our responsibility to one another.

Cambodia and Thailand are not just neighbours. We are connected through a long and rich Buddhist tradition that has shaped how we think, live and relate to each other.

This shared heritage is something we should protect carefully. It reminds us that what we do — especially in the name of religion — should bring people closer, not pull them apart.

When Good Intentions and Merit Need Careful Reflection

Buddhism teaches us about compassion, loving-kindness and right action. These are not just ideals we talk about. They are principles we are meant to live by, especially in difficult situations.

Spain’s PM Calls to Abolish UN Veto Power — ‘The World Can’t Be Controlled by a Few Nations!

 

 

 

Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, has made a bold call for sweeping reforms within the United Nations, urging the abolition of veto power in the UN Security Council.

In an interview with El Diario, Sánchez argued that the veto mechanism often blocks critical decisions, especially during urgent global crises. According to him, this system allows a handful of powerful nations to stall international action based on their own political interests.

He also questioned the legitimacy of permanent seats held by countries like Russia and the United States, particularly given their involvement in ongoing conflicts such as in Ukraine and Iran.
Sánchez emphasized that reform is no longer optional, but essential. Without it, the UN risks remaining ineffective and overly influenced by a small group of global powers, rather than serving as a fair and representative body for the international community.

“We must abolish the veto power within the UN.”

He warned that without fundamental changes, global governance will continue to face deadlock—while conflicts and humanitarian crises persist without meaningful resolution. 

តុលាការអូស្ត្រាលីសម្រេចឱ្យ Al Jazeera ឈ្នះបណ្តឹងឧទ្ធរណ៍ក្នុងរឿងក្តីក្តាំជាមួយលោក ហ៊ុន តូ

Heritage Under Attack: The Evidence Emerging from Preah Vihear…

 

Barbarians and brutes have no comprehension, regard or appreciation for cultural heritage that is recognised of universal value for civilised humanity. Indeed, they even filmed themselves cheering their "precision" rocket attacks on these historical sites, telling lies to the world that these are 'military bunkers' even though the temples situate inside Cambodia's territory as defined by the Franco-Siam Treaties of 1904 and 1907 and the lightly armed Cambodian guards were there for protective purposes. 

In fact, the physical evidence of damages to the temples - Ta Krobey and Preah Vihear - indicate that it was the temples themselves rather than the guards that were the targets of their co-ordinated precision attacks. They could have chosen any other locations along the 800 km plus border to launch their offensive and senseless destruction. But, that would not have been as gratifying, would it for these well-armed vandals and psychopaths? You know a tree by the fruits it bears...

-Social media 

 

យើងត្រូវការបណ្ឌិតនិយាយការពិតបែបនេះដើម្បីកែសង្គមជាតិ

 

Neighbouring states like Vietnam and Thailand know just what Cambodia's weaknesses and disadvantages are and time their strikes at the right moments to drive home their advantages with complete confidence and certainty. 

In recent years alone Cambodian leadership has been given ample opportunities to reform and modernise its military, namely in 2008 and 2011 over the same 'dispute' that flared up again of late. Even the relatively recognised disparities in military strengths on statistics possessed by the two nations do not reflect the real or actual gap in the two nations' armed forces because statistics and figures on paper never reveal the actual number of soldiers officially assigned to every unit or battalion owing to widespread and endemic corruption in the military itself. Hence, the phenomenon of "ghost soldiers". 

On the other hand, having a robust and adequate military strength does not necessarily imply that a state, especially, smaller ones such as Cambodia, prefers going to war to solve international disputes over peaceful means like dialogue and diplomacy. It is simply a means of deterrence in the last resort; an insurance posture that makes your enemy think twice and hard before committing to violence over peaceful resolutions or means. This failure to reform the military institution and heed repeated warnings given by Thailand's aggressions is precisely why the Thais feel embolden to attack Cambodia whilst disregarding international laws and border treaties the two countries have signed. 

Moreover, it is somewhat dangerously naive to assume that all states abide by international laws or treaties and this reality is reflected by the elites in both countries in terms of their behaviours internally where power, wealth and personal interests often dictate their respective ambitions and agendas. 

In the east, anyone who traverses the border areas would be able to see civil and police structures right by the international boundary line; these are homes, farm settlements, border police stations, district and community centres etc. built to cement claims over territories after having forcibly evicted tens of thousands of Khmer families and villagers off their ancestral lands. In the west, the Thais have viewed all this with keen interest and want their pieces of Cambodian land too. 

-Social media 

Cambodia Files Protest Against Thai Infrastructure Works Near Preah Vihear Temple

Cambodia Refutes Thai Allegations, Urges to Resume Joint Border Survey Work

 

PHNOM PENH, March 12, 2026 — Cambodia on Thursday rejected allegations made by Thailand regarding a reported border incident and territorial claims, while reaffirming its commitment to resolving bilateral boundary issues through peaceful means and international law.

 

In a statement, Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said a Thai report alleging that Cambodian forces fired a 40-mm grenade on Feb. 24, 2026 was incorrect.

 

The ministry said Cambodia had already clarified the matter through a diplomatic note issued on the same day, stating that the incident did not occur and that the situation had been jointly verified by military liaison teams from both sides.

 

The Cambodian statement came after Thailand’s foreign ministry issued a press release on March 11 urging Cambodia to demonstrate “good-faith cooperation” in advancing the survey and demarcation of the land boundary between the two countries.

 

Phnom Penh also rejected Thailand’s claim concerning the Ta Oum statue in the An Ses area of Preah Vihear province, saying the site lies entirely within Cambodian territory based on the 1:200,000-scale map produced by the Franco-Siamese Mixed Commission under the 1904 Convention and the 1907 Treaty.

 

The ministry added that claims based on Thailand’s unilaterally drawn L7017 map were “legally untenable,” noting that a joint survey conducted by the two countries’ Joint Survey Team in September 2015 had also addressed the issue.

 

Cambodia said it had sent five invitations to Thailand to resume the technical work of the Joint Survey Team under the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) to accelerate demarcation work, particularly in sensitive areas along the border.

 

Phnom Penh reiterated that it remains committed to resolving border issues peacefully and in accordance with international law and existing bilateral agreements, including the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Meeting of the General Border Committee signed on Dec. 27, 2025.

 

The Cambodian government said it hopes to see “good-faith cooperation reflected through concrete actions on the ground” to advance the border demarcation process between the two neighbors.

 

Soumaya Ghannoushi, a British-Tunisian writer and expert on Middle East politics, says that by serving Israel’s agenda, US President Donald Trump has betrayed Gulf allies.

លម្អិតព័ត៌មាន អ៊ីរ៉ង់បាញ់ប្រហារនាវាដឹកប្រេងប្រទេសថៃ (12-03-2026)

BREAKING: Cambodian Observer Warns Against Risks in New Thailand Peace Proposal 🇰🇭⚠️

Since the Ceasefire agreement was signed, it appears only Cambodia has been repeatedly asking for resumption of JBC talks and dialogues whilst Thailand has kept delaying such meetings, citing one excuse after another. In the mean time Thailand has moved in bull dozers and shipping containers to mark off more of Cambodia's territory and destroyed civilian homes and forests as well as erecting illegal structures on occupied lands in violation of the same ceasefire agreement. 

The Thais are not only shy of seeking resolutions through independent international legal forums and arbitrators such as the UN Security Council (where their FM defamed and painted Cambodia the actual victim as the aggressor) or the ICJ because they know full well that Thailand has no case to answer or defend but, Thailand's blatant unilateral territorial claims rest on no firm legal grounds, frameworks, treaties or international laws. Indeed, their unilateral actions in this regard completely make a mockery of these conventions and treaties and show their undisguised contempt for both Cambodia as a neighbour as well as towards international legal norms that place diplomacy and dialogue above and before violence. 

In fact, Thailand's preference for and arrogance over its unilateral position or claims have not changed since its illegal occupation of Preah Vihear temple in the 1960s and this stance is further reflected in its preference for "bilateral" talks or dialogues since the 'bilateral' works to protect and shield the "unilateral" in any case, keeping Cambodia's legitimate grievances out of international legal scrutiny and allowing Thailand to force its terms and conditions down Cambodia's throat. The Thais' thinking and methods would be childish and embarrassing in the extreme were it not also fiendish and gross for the other innocent party to the conflict. Yeah, much like what we read and hear from their vicious critics here online since day one....

-Social media 

 

The New York Editorial

A prominent Cambodian political observer has raised serious concerns regarding Thailand's latest peace proposal aimed at resolving the ongoing border dispute. The analysis suggests that the terms of the new proposal may contain language that could disadvantage Cambodia, potentially undermining national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

 

Experts are warning that relying solely on bilateral mechanisms might favor Thailand's position and are urging the Cambodian government to exercise extreme caution. Instead of rushing into a new agreement, observers are calling for a return to international legal frameworks—specifically involving the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the UN Security Council—to ensure a fair resolution that protects Cambodia's claims over disputed areas, including the Ta Moan and Ta Krabey temples.

 

This warning comes amidst heightened tensions following the clashes of 2025 and early 2026, as both nations struggle to find a lasting ceasefire.

 

West Mebon

Cambodian diplomats urged to continue efforts amid territorial incursions

 

Global shifts and competition between superpowers have placed significant pressure on Cambodia.

Niem Chheng

The Phnom Penh Post

Foreign minister Prak Sokhonn has called for the Kingdom’s diplomats to redouble their efforts in the face of aggression. PHOTO: CAMBODIA FOREIGN MINISTRY/THE PHNOM PENH POST

March 6, 2026

PHNOM PENH – Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn has urged the Kingdom’s diplomats to redouble their efforts as Cambodia faces aggression, territorial encroachment and defamation from a neighbouring country.

Addressing the March 5 foreign ministry annual review meeting, Sokhonn highlighted how Cambodia is currently suffering at the hands of a neighbour which possesses military and economic advantages.

At the same time, global shifts and competition between superpowers have placed significant pressure on Cambodia regarding decision-making, policy choices and political positions, putting Cambodia’s national interests at risk, he noted, as quoted by the BTV media outlet.

“Our nation is facing and suffering from aggression, territorial encroachment and defamation from neighbours who use their military and economic superiority to pressure us. Now, more than ever, our diplomats must exert all their efforts — physically and mentally — to resolutely protect the core interests of the nation and our people,” he said.

IRAN JUST ATTACKED A U.S NUCLEAR BASE

The Order Taker Machine

Soumaya Ghannoushi, a British Tunisian writer and expert in Middle East politics ...

Quote, unquote ...

 

 

Cambodia Invites Foreign Military Attachés to Inspect Thai Installations at Prey Chan

 

 

BANTEAY MEANCHEY, March 4, 2026 — Cambodia’s defence ministry on Wednesday brought foreign military attachés from 12 countries to inspect a site near the Cambodian-Thai border where Phnom Penh says Thai forces installed barbed wire and shipping containers following recent tensions. 

The visit, coordinated by Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence, took place in Prey Chan village in O’ Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province, and aimed to show foreign military representatives the location of an alleged attack and assess conditions along the border. 

Officials said the inspection also focused on reviewing the implementation of the ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, which took effect on Dec. 27, 2025. According to the defence ministry, Cambodian authorities remain fully committed to respecting and implementing agreements reached between the two countries, including the joint statement of the 3rd Special Meeting of the Cambodia–Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) and the October 2025 peace declaration. Phnom Penh said the agreements are intended to restore normal conditions, stability and long-term security along the border. 

The ministry said the visit was organized to inform the public and the international community about developments on the ground amid ongoing efforts to maintain peace following the ceasefire.

Apsara is Cambodia

 

Every time you catch a ‘thieve’ with your possession that he has stolen from you, 10 out of 10 times he'll say it's his and not yours. The problem with many Thais is that they have absorbed Khmer culture for so long that they instinctively believe this culture to be theirs in origins. In fact, the Thais have so proactively adopted and assimilated into Khmer culture that they have become - at least in terms of veneer or appearance and in cultural spheres - 'Khmerised' and are more so than other of Cambodia's neighbours. 

The Koreans, Vietnamese and Japanese have also similiarly absorbed China's cultural influences since ancient time and can also be considered 'Sinicized' in the same way. One doubts, however, that these other nations would deny the historical influences China exerted on their people and culture because of China's pre-eminent past and heritage just as the Khmers' rich past and civilisation were the subject of envy and emulation from later arrivals into their territorial and cultural spheres such as the Siamese or T'ais from Southern China. 

On the ground of Thailand’s Royal Palace in Bangkok today visitors can still find a small replica of Cambodia’s famed Angkor Wat temple; built there by a Thai king to inspire his people – according to scholars. In fact, a Thai/Siamese king even ordered that Angkor Wat – the real one in Siem Reap! – be transferred to Siam but the sheer scale of the monument itself proved the idea to be too much of a challenge along with the native resistance.  

-Social media. 

 

Thailand’s prime minister declined to answer questions from Thai reporters regarding recent remarks made by Cambodia’s leader in a recent interview

In a statement to the UN Security Council, Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, voiced his nation's unequivocal support…

Why Always War in Middle East