Cambodia Chooses Peace Over Retaliation Despite Thai Aggression
Despite facing deadly aggression from Thai forces along its border, Cambodia has refrained from retaliating, citing its commitment to the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord signed with Thailand. Senate President Hun Sen emphasized this decision during the opening ceremony of the 33rd General Assembly of Buddhist Monks on date 17 , reinforcing Cambodia’s stance of restraint as part of a broader commitment to peace.
Respect for the Peace Accord
Hun Sen made it clear that Cambodia’s decision not to engage in retaliation against Thai provocations is not out of fear but out of respect for the peace agreement signed between the two nations. The agreement, which was brokered to ensure stability in the region, includes a ceasefire clause aimed at preventing further escalation of hostilities.
Addressing the issue, Hun Sen acknowledged the recent violent incidents in Prey Chan village, which involved Thai military aggression that led to civilian casualties. According to Hun Sen, these actions were deliberate provocations by Thailand, designed to trigger an armed conflict. He remarked that the Cambodian government had ordered the armed forces not to respond in kind, recognizing that retaliation could only result in the suffering of innocent civilians.
“We are not afraid of self-defense,” Hun Sen declared. “However, if fighting were to break out, the ones who would suffer the most would be the innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.”
Commitment to Peace and Stability
The Senate President reiterated Cambodia’s unwavering commitment to peace and stability in the region. He stated that Cambodia has no intention of engaging in war with Thailand or any other nation, emphasizing that Cambodia’s primary goal is to preserve peace. “We have no reason to attack any country,” he said. “Yet, we are accused of being the aggressors.”
Hun Sen’s statements underscore the Cambodian government’s long-standing policy of diplomacy and conflict resolution through dialogue and legal agreements, rather than military force. Despite the mounting tensions, Cambodia continues to uphold its responsibilities under international law and the peace accord with Thailand, viewing diplomacy as the most effective means to secure long-term peace.
Thailand’s Provocations and the International Response
While Cambodia remains committed to peace, Thailand’s actions have raised concerns among international observers. The Thai military’s unprovoked aggression along the border, particularly in Prey Chan village, has been viewed by some as an attempt to undermine the peace agreement and reignite hostilities. However, Cambodia has chosen not to escalate the situation, maintaining a restrained posture even in the face of significant provocation.
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with many urging both nations to respect the terms of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord and work towards de-escalation. For Cambodia, the issue is not only about territorial integrity but about safeguarding the lives of its citizens and preventing further bloodshed in a region already burdened by decades of conflict.
Looking Ahead: The Path to Peace
As tensions persist, Cambodia remains resolute in its commitment to peace. The government’s restraint in the face of aggression highlights the importance of diplomacy and the value Cambodia places on the agreements it has signed. However, with Thailand’s actions increasingly putting this delicate balance at risk, the question remains whether both nations can continue to honor the peace accord or whether a deeper, more lasting conflict is inevitable.
Hun Sen’s statement serves as a reminder to both Thai and Cambodian citizens, as well as to the international community, that peace is a fragile but necessary pursuit. “We want peace,” Hun Sen affirmed. “We want the world to know that Cambodia’s desire is not for war, but for harmony and security for all.”
