The Cambodian government’s current strategy to shine a light on the Thai government and the military’s illegal occupation and related activities on Cambodian soil is the prudent approach because it does not lead to further conflict that will unnecessarily spill Cambodian blood or lead to the death of innocent civilians on both sides.
Diplomatic strategies such as naming and shaming the illegal actions of a state actor can sometimes be frustrating because results may not always be immediately apparent and sometimes the most effective diplomacy is not always public, which can make people wonder what is really happening; however, for mature nations, war must always be a last resort.
Cambodia has multiple factors on its side that should be recognized by all:
(1) The country remains committed to peace and has been demonstrating exceptional maturity in the face of Thai provocations; (2) The country has the law on its side and Thailand’s refusal to recognize ICJ caselaw speaks volumes for its lack of legitimacy; and
(3) Cambodia has history on its side.
Thailand has yearned to seize much of Cambodia’s territory and it has been thwarted multiple times.
YOUK CHHANG
Director
Documentation Center of Cambodia
March 27, 2026
