Cambodian Observer Raises Concern Over Thailand Pe | RSS.com
A Cambodian social observer has expressed concern over what he describes as Thailand using the language of peace to pressure Cambodia into ending an ongoing border dispute.
Sek Socheat, a development and research consultant, told The Cambodia Daily on Monday that peace cannot be meaningful for Cambodia if it comes under threat or the use of force. He said genuine peace cannot exist alongside actions that risk conflict or undermine Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Sek Socheat argued that a fair and just resolution to the border issue would require Thailand to halt what he called provocative actions and threats of force. He urged both sides to resume bilateral negotiations through existing mechanisms and called on Thailand to avoid pretexts that could further escalate tensions.
He also suggested activating emergency communication channels under the ASEAN observer framework, including a hotline and a joint fact-finding team, to prevent misunderstandings or accidental incidents. If necessary, he said, ASEAN mechanisms or a neutral third party could be engaged.
The observer appealed to all parties to respect international law, exercise restraint, and work toward what he described as genuine peace, for the safety and future of people in both countries. He added that any attempt to impose peace through intimidation would not be acceptable to either the Cambodian public or government.
His comments follow remarks reported by the Thai newspaper The Nation on February 25, 2026. Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow was quoted at a United Nations meeting as questioning whether Cambodia truly wanted peace or intended to prolong conflict by bringing the border dispute onto the international stage.
Sihasak Phuangketkeow rejected allegations that Thailand was unlawfully occupying Cambodian territory. He said both sides had agreed to keep troops in their current positions during a ceasefire while awaiting bilateral talks.
On February 24, 2026, Cambodia’s Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn addressed the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. He said the presence of Thai forces on Cambodian soil had severely affected Cambodian civilians.
Prak Sokhonn stated that the continued presence of Thai troops was a major obstacle to the safe and dignified return of displaced civilians. He described the situation as a serious violation of international law and fundamental human rights, accusing Thailand of advancing deep into Cambodian territory.
Separately, on February 23, 2026, Banteay Meanchey Governor Um Reatrey told diplomats, international organizations, and journalists that Thai troops had fenced off three areas in the province. He said barbed wire and more than 100 shipping containers had been deployed across 20 locations, covering nearly 800 hectares of land.
As diplomatic exchanges intensify, the dispute highlights the fragile balance between calls for peace and accusations of coercion, with both sides defending their positions on the international stage.
