Kuala lumpur: The major powers, ostensibly the guardians of global security, continue to draw false equivalence between aggressors and victims, despite substantial evidence of Thai aggression against Cambodia, a sovereign state with no belligerent intent.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the conflict saw an initial ceasefire signed on July 28 violated by Thailand, leading to the capture of 20 Cambodian soldiers, two of whom died while the rest remain hostage. Thailand's military incursion into Cambodian territory involved the eviction of residents, destruction of homes, and establishment of new boundaries marked with barbed wire and tires. Despite areas being heavily mined since 1964, Thai patrols ventured into these dangerous zones on Cambodian soil, resulting in accidents that Thailand used to justify further ceasefire breaches. For weeks, Thai authorities, with support from local media, have propagated a misleading narrative of Cambodian aggression, yet no evidence supports these claims.
A subsequent ceasefire, part of a "Joint Declaration" on October 26, was also ignored as Thai forces continued attempts to seize Cambodian land and villages, disregarding commitments made in the declaration backed by the UN Security Council and ASEAN.
On December 7, a third violation occurred when Thai forces launched a full-scale attack along the border, targeting civilian infrastructure, including homes, schools, hospitals, and pagodas, causing numerous casualties. Bombs were dropped near displaced persons camps, and significant Cambodian economic infrastructure was destroyed. UNESCO-protected temples, such as Ta Krabey, faced deliberate bombing, and monuments were desecrated, indicating an aggressive campaign by Thailand deeper than 90 km into Cambodian territory.
Despite these aggressive actions and violations of international law, Thailand operates with impunity, killing civilians and destroying heritage sites without facing condemnation or sanctions. The international community's inaction raises questions about the current world order and the reluctance of Security Council members to distinguish between aggressors and victims.