Latest news with #RothSantepheap
The Star
a day ago
- Politics
- The Star
Opinion - Sovereignty under threat: Thai Army's repeated provocations at Cambodia's border must end
Cambodian soldiers expelled Thai troops from Cambodian territory on the morning of July 4, in the area of Phnom Khmoch 'Ghost Mountain'. It appeared that the aggressive posturing of the Thai soldiers was intended to provoke a violent reaction. - Photo: Facebook PHNOM PENH: On Friday (July 4) morning, at the Ghost Mountain frontline, black-clad Thai soldiers once again carried out provocative manoeuvres against the Cambodian forces stationed along the border. This was not an isolated incident. It is part of a long-standing pattern of aggression and encroachment that flagrantly violates Cambodia's sovereignty and breaches the principles of international law. According to assessments by the Cambodian military, Thai troops deliberately advanced toward Cambodian territory, patrolling along previously disputed routes. Their actions were clearly intended to incite frustration and provoke a reaction — hoping that the brave and disciplined Cambodian soldiers might respond emotionally and ignite a wider confrontation. Fortunately, Cambodia's defenders exercised restraint and professionalism, refusing to fall into the trap. This behaviour by the Thai military is neither new nor accidental. Time and again, Thai forces have crossed into Cambodian land without permission, reinforced their presence near historic Khmer temples, and displayed hostile posturing that escalates tensions instead of promoting peace. These actions go far beyond routine security — they reflect a dangerous strategy to challenge Cambodia's territorial integrity and distort historical truth for political gain. The Royal Government of Cambodia and its armed forces have made their position clear: Every inch of Cambodian territory will be protected. Cambodia does not seek conflict, but it will not stand idle in the face of repeated violations. Our commitment to diplomacy, dialogue and respect for international norms remains strong. But no sovereign state should be expected to endure endless provocations on its own soil. The actions of the Thai military are in direct violation of international law, including the UN Charter and the Asean Charter — both of which prohibit the use or threat of force against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of any member state. Such provocations not only endanger peace — they also erode regional trust and cooperation. Cambodia now calls upon the international community, Asean member states and all peace-loving nations to pay close attention. The continuous provocations by Thai forces are a threat to regional stability, a blatant disregard for legal norms and an affront to Cambodia's sovereign rights. Silence in the face of these actions would be complicity. Let this be clear to all: Cambodia does not wish for conflict, but we will never permit our borders to be violated or redrawn through force. We stand united — defending our land, our heritage and the pride of the Khmer nation. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN [Roth Santepheap is a Phnom Penh-based geopolitical analyst. The views and opinions expressed are his own.]
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Opinion - No stone for stealing: Cambodia rightfully rejects Thailand's fabricated claim over Ta Moan Temple
A Cambodian soldier stands guard at Ta Moan Temple complex, in Preah Vihear province. - Photo: supplied PHNOM PENH: Culture is not a weapon, and history is not a game. Yet once again, the Thai government — through the voice of its suspended prime minister and current Minister of Culture, Paetongtarn Shinawatra — has attempted to distort both. Her Friday (July 4) claim that the Ta Moan Temple complex falls under Thai sovereignty is not only historically inaccurate, it is legally baseless and diplomatically reckless. Cambodia categorically rejects this provocation. In a firm and dignified statement, Cambodia's Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts reminded the world of what should already be well known: the Ta Moan complex lies entirely within Cambodian territory, as clearly defined by the Franco-Siamese Convention of 1904 and the Treaty of 1907. These binding legal documents — recognised and respected by the international community — established the border long before today's political opportunists tried to redraw it with arrogance and unilateralism. The 1:200,000-scale map that both nations agreed to follow under a 2000 memorandum of understanding is not a matter of opinion — it is a legal commitment. For Thailand to now ignore that agreement and present a domestic registration from 1962 as grounds for sovereignty over a Khmer temple is absurd. International law does not bend to bureaucratic daydreams. Let us be clear: registering a temple within your national archives does not change its location. Cultural artifacts and sacred sites do not teleport across borders with the stroke of a minister's pen. The Ta Moan complex — like Ta Moan Tauch and Ta Krabei — is not Thai. It is Khmer in architecture, Khmer in spirit and Khmer in rightful ownership. Cambodia has not remained idle. On June 16, the Royal Government of Cambodia submitted a formal request to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to adjudicate the dispute, reaffirming our confidence in law over force, and diplomacy over distortion. While Cambodia seeks resolution through legal channels, Thailand continues to provoke through press statements, propaganda, and at times, military presence. It is profoundly disappointing that the Thai Ministry of Culture — an institution that should promote understanding and mutual respect — has instead chosen to inflame tensions and insult the dignity of heritage stewardship. The Cambodian people have always protected our temples — not as trophies, but as symbols of a civilisation that flourished long before Thailand even existed in its modern form. We do not seek confrontation. We seek respect for borders, law and truth. The world is watching. And history is not on Thailand's side. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN [Roth Santepheap is a Phnom Penh-based geopolitical analyst. The views and opinions expressed are his own.]
