OP ED Opinion-Column | Cambodia Respects Peace and Law, Not Destabilization: A Rebuttal to the Media Outlet “The Nation Thailand’s” Dangerous Narrative By Roth Santepheap

The author is a Geopolitical Analyst based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The views and opinions expressed are his own.

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The article published by the Nation Thailand on June 21, 2025, titled “Hun Sen’s ‘two-pronged strategy’ aims to destabilise Thailand,” is not only misleading—it irresponsibly accuses Cambodia of orchestrating regional instability and internal Thai unrest without evidence. Such narratives are not just inaccurate; they are damaging to the spirit of ASEAN Solidarity and Peace.

1. Cambodia’s Recourse to International Law Is Not Aggression
The article suggests that Cambodia is trying to “drag Thailand into international conflict” through the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). This accusation is baseless. Resorting to international justice is the exact opposite of trying to provoke an international conflict. Arbitration is by nature a peaceful way to resolve a dispute.

Cambodia has a proud and transparent tradition of resolving disputes through peaceful and legal channels. When Cambodia brought the Preah Vihear case to the ICJ in 1959—and again in 2011—it was not an act of provocation but a legitimate exercise of international law. Legal recourse is not a threat; it is a right. Cambodia’s commitment to international mechanisms reflects its respect for rules-based diplomacy—not an effort to create armed conflict or to destabilize anyone.

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2. Accusations of “Psychological Warfare” Lack Credibility
The article claims, without credible evidence, that Cambodia is behind leaks, recordings, and media manipulation to weaken Thai leadership. This is pure speculation and irresponsibly presents rumor as fact. It doesn’t take much thought to make such an accusation. What interest would Cambodia have in weakening a government with which relations have so far been excellent?

No official source has linked any leaked materials to the Cambodian government. In an age of digital warfare and AI-generated content, blaming a neighboring country without conclusive proof only serves to distract from the real issues within Thai society. Moreover, Cambodia has consistently refrained from commenting on Thailand’s internal politics—a sign of respect for national sovereignty that the media should acknowledge, not dismiss.

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3. Thailand’s Internal Struggles Are Not Cambodia’s Doing
Perhaps the most outrageous claim is that Cambodia is instigating Thai protests, pushing for early elections, or encouraging a military coup. This theory is not only implausible but also insulting to the intelligence and agency of the Thai people.

Thailand’s political movements stem from decades of unresolved tensions between different factions, regional inequalities, and the evolving demands of a new generation of Thai citizens. Blaming these structural issues on Cambodia is an act of deflection. It avoids facing domestic realities and unfairly paints Cambodia as a puppet master behind events that are deeply internal.

4. Media Must Avoid Nationalist Manipulation
The media plays a vital role in shaping public perception. When a prominent outlet like The Nation Thailandpublishes inflammatory pieces without balance or proof, it contributes to regional mistrust and tension.

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Rather than framing Cambodia as a villain, responsible journalism would involve engaging with multiple sources, including Cambodian officials or neutral observers, to present a complete picture. ASEAN was built on the principles of non-interference, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence. Irresponsible reporting threatens those ideals.

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Let’s Uphold Peace, Not Promote Paranoia
Cambodia has chosen the path of peace, legality, and diplomacy. Painting it as an aggressor or puppet master undermines not only facts but also regional stability. The challenges Thailand faces are internal and must be addressed with transparency, democracy, and dialogue—not blame-shifting.

We urge media outlets and policymakers to respect the principles of fairness, verify their claims, and refrain from fueling division. Cambodia does not seek Thailand’s instability—it seeks a future of cooperation, sovereignty, and peace for both nations.

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