This week marks one year since the beginning of the tragic and needless undeclared war between Thailand and Cambodia.
Many have been killed—civilians and soldiers on both sides—and their loved ones will continue to miss them dearly.
How do we even begin to count the losses? Do we count only the innocent civilians killed in our country? What about the soldiers? And what about those who were displaced, including those who remain vulnerable one year on?
Nearly 150 people, including civilians and soldiers from both countries, were killed during the two rounds of fighting.
Some may want retribution, but where will revenge end? With more death and destruction?
As I write, Cambodian authorities say tens of thousands of civilians remain displaced and are waiting to return home.
In Thailand, I learned last week from a source in the Labour Ministry that at least 100,000 migrant workers from Cambodia remain in a legal black hole as the government refuses to renew their work permits. Fearing that ultranationalist Thais would be outraged with the government, they are increasing the risk of further labour exploitation.
Then we have the continuation of the zero-sum mentality among some on both sides of the border who refuse to accept that some form of compromise and accommodation is eventually inevitable if we are to coexist as neighbours instead of nemeses.
Building bridges instead of walls, one step at a time, one person at a time, is imperative. You don’t need to wait for your government to come to its senses.
Over the past year, I have maintained channels of communication and moderation with some Cambodians and non-Cambodians on the other side of the border as both nations descended into mutual hatred and destruction.
Last week, Cambodianess editor Sao Phal Niseiy sent me several questions to mark the first anniversary of the brief undeclared war between our two countries.
I asked for his permission to reproduce our exchange below:
—
What does the first anniversary of the July 2025 Cambodia–Thailand border war represent for Cambodia and Thailand?
It represents a failure by both nations to resolve border disputes peacefully. One year on, it also stands as a stark reminder to reasonable Thais and Cambodians that the unchecked conflict has damaged not only relations between the two countries, but also the economies of both nations and the goodwill between Thais and Khmers.
Over the past year, have you observed any significant changes in Thai public opinion, political discourse, or nationalist sentiment regarding Cambodia?
On the Thai side, anti-Cambodian sentiment was unleashed and manipulated to boost the stature of the Thai military and the conservative establishment. They have managed to exploit the conflict to accrue political capital. One year on, Thailand and Cambodia remain trapped in a Cold War mentality.
Although a ceasefire remains in place, tensions along the border continue and mutual distrust persist. How confident are you that Cambodia and Thailand can avoid another armed confrontation in the coming years?
I have little confidence, but I do sincerely hope that cool heads will prevail. It is apparent by now to any reasonable Thai and Cambodian that this is a lose-lose scenario for both our nations and our economies.
What practical measures should Cambodia and Thailand take to reduce the risk of future armed clashes?
Both governments and their people should exercise restraint and moderation when considering and discussing the conflict. We must think long-term and recognise that, in the end, it is better for both nations and their people to be good neighbours instead of sworn enemies seeking to undermine one another whenever possible.
When your next-door neighbour wishes you ill, it is difficult for you to sleep soundly at night. This is true for both Cambodia and Thailand. If a third party, such as China or ASEAN, could act as a mediator to help resume normal ties, their impartial involvement should be welcomed. Ordinary citizens can also play a crucial part on the road towards the normalisation of our relations by refraining from excessive nationalist rhetoric and ensuring cordial relations with ordinary people from the other country.
What would a successful Cambodia–Thailand relationship look like five years from now?
Reopened borders and the resumption of normal trade, tourism, cultural and people-to-people exchange. Both sides accept UNCLOS results. Disputed land border territories back on negotiating table. People in both nations refrain from spreading hate speech and stereotypes, fully aware of how toxic and viral it can become.
Essentially, it would be normal, neighbourly relations, but with an acute awareness on both sides of sensitive issues and impending disputes that must be handled with tact.
