Thai troops escalate border conflict despite peace agreement
In a clear breach of the existing peace and standstill agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, Thai troops have reportedly advanced into disputed Cambodian territory, bulldozing rice paddies and forcibly evicting Cambodian families from homes they have inhabited for decades.
Eyewitnesses from Prey Chan, in O’Beichon commune in Ou Chrov district, report that Thai soldiers have pushed deep into Cambodian territory despite repeated calls from Cambodian authorities to keep the peace and respect the agreed border lines. The incident has reignited already sensitive tensions along the border.
An attack on peace and dignity
Cambodian government officials condemned the Thai army’s actions as a blatant violation of international law and an attack on Cambodia’s territorial sovereignty. While Thai troops are expanding their presence, Cambodia is consistently sticking to a peaceful, diplomatic approach.
Local farmers report that Thai bulldozers have destroyed valuable rice fields – a course of action that for many makes no military sense whatsoever, but only serves to intimidate the civilian population.
Cambodian restraint despite provocations
In contrast to the aggressive actions of the Thai side, the Cambodian authorities and soldiers on the ground have shown remarkable restraint. Many Cambodian officials deployed to areas of tension deliberately do not carry firearms in order to avoid any escalation.
The Cambodian army values peace above all else.
Air strikes against civilians?
Particularly alarming are reports in the Thai media that the Thai air force is “ready to strike back” because Cambodian civilians have gathered to defend their homes.
The idea of threatening unarmed farmers and villagers – many with nothing more than wooden sticks – with air strikes should be met with international outrage.
“This is madness,” commented a Cambodian human rights activist. “Threatening civilians defending their homes with fighter jets crosses every moral line.”
Call for international attention
While Cambodia continues to focus on de-escalation and dialog, representatives and citizens are calling on the international community to take the situation seriously.
This conflict has long been more than just a border dispute – it is a touchstone for peace in the entire region.