It is difficult to understand how a government and military that professes a commitment to peace can so quickly and easily act out violently against another nation on the basis of land mines that are likely to have been planted decades ago.

The only reasonable explanation for such a hasty and unexpected and retreat from the Kuala Lampur Peace Accord is the obvious one, which is the Thai military and/or the Thai government never truly intended to abide by this agreement from the outset.

Peace is a fragile commodity in today’s world, and we must not be so blinded by our pursuit of peace so as to ignore the bellicose intentions of those who see war as necessary to achieve their ends.

— YOUK CHHANG
Director, Documentation Center of Cambodia
November 14, 2025