Does Cambodia have the right to shoot enemy military aircraft that invaded its airspace? Why Cambodia doesn't shoot?

 

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A small country does not have to be weak in the self-defence or military sense. The Thais are aware that Cambodia lacks the means to cope with a full scale war or protracted one. Since 2008 Thailand has attacked Cambodia four times; twice in 2025 alone. The Thai military or whoever controls it wouldn't do this against Myanmar for instance. In short, Cambodia is a convenient scapegoat or an easy prey for them and this has been the case for centuries, not only in our life time. Likewise, Thailand, despite being bigger numerically and stronger militarily also cannot afford a full-scale, long term war with Cambodia either. History has shown that there are no clear victors in such a conflict. See the US in Vietnam, Russia in Afghanistan, the US in Afghanistan, Russia in Ukraine as examples. In all these conflicts the protagonists are of disproportionately unequal strengths, yet in the end wars of national self-defence have tended to prevailed over the 'stronger' parties or rather than in favour of the invaders/aggressors. 

So the question all Khmers must ask is: While their country is numerically smaller than its neighbours but does it have to be weak too? And if that is so, why is it weak or how can it become stronger so that its enemies would have cause to think twice before bullying it? A strong national defence demands a well-maintained, well-equipped armed force. This in turn requires a strong defence budget and economy that must of necessity rely on a clean, incorrupt administration. We have all seen how poorly equipped many Cambodian soldiers are at the frontline, some still wearing flip-flops or bare-footed, no gas masks or protective vests, not sufficient food supplies or means of transport except those supplied to them through public donations and generosity. In short, the key to an upgraded army or self-defence lies in having a clean and uncorrupted ruling national institutions, including the army itself. How many "ghost soldiers" are there in the ranks of the RCAF today?

^^^