It is important to remember the maxim that war is but only politics by another means. Before Cambodians can answer the question about how to prepare to face Thailand that appears bent on armed conflict, we must first understand what objectives Thailand can achieve through war and what might make war more attractive to Thailand than peace.

Of course, Thailand’s apparent objectives are to secure Cambodian territory and extend greater control over its borders with Cambodia. But this is not the only objective and there are reasons to believe that the mere acquisition of territory is a symptom of a larger issue. The current political situation in Thailand is one marked by significant internal struggle and instability. The ongoing conflict reflects deep-rooted divisions between the conservative military-royalist elite, influential judicial institutions, and populist forces that do not appreciate the status quo.

Cambodia can certainly respond to the symptoms of this struggle but to truly rise above the problem, Cambodia must exercise strategic leadership and maintain its focus on the root causes rather than just the symptoms of problems.

— YOUK CHHANG Director, Documentation Center of Cambodia

November 18, 2025

———————-

Memorial: A Royal Memorial Statue of King Father Norodom Sihanouk in Borei O’Svay-Sen Chey district, Stung Treng Province, which was built to honor his contributions to the region and to protect the territorial integrity of Stung Treng province. Unlike the larger memorial in Phnom Penh, this one was erected during the Sangkum Reastr Niyum era between 1963 and 1967 and has been restored by Her Majesty the Queen Mother of Cambodia in 2019.

Poster: DC-Cam Research Team at the Cambodia-Laos border, Stung Treng province.

Photo by David, 2024.