Phnom Penh: Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has unveiled rare photographs from February 19, 2011, capturing a pivotal moment in diplomacy aimed at de-escalating armed clashes between Cambodia and Thailand. These images, taken at the Choam-Sragam border crossing in Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province, depict high-level negotiations to secure a ceasefire between the two countries’ militaries, he shared on his social media networks.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the Cambodian delegation was led by Samdech Thipadei, then serving as Deputy Commander of the Royal Cambodian Army, along with General Chea Mon, the then-Commander of Military Region 4, and General Srey Dek, Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division. The Thai delegation was headed by the Commander of the Thai Army’s 2nd Infantry Division. The objective was to halt hostilities that began in 2008 near Preah Vihear Temple and later spread to Ta Moan and Ta Krabei temples in 2011.
It was clarified that the fighting was not initiated by either country’s military or government but was provoked by a few Thai ultra-nationalist politicians. Under the guise of patriotism, they intruded into Cambodia’s territory and occupied Wat Keo Sekha Kirisvara, a pagoda near Preah Vihear Temple, on July 15, 2008. The provocation escalated into a prolonged military confrontation, causing casualties and displacing thousands of civilians. Relations between the two nations were severely affected across multiple sectors.
The conflict serves as a reminder of the dangers of extremist nationalism and reckless political actions, emphasizing the importance of careful diplomacy to prevent violence. Both Cambodian and Thai citizens have the right to love their country; however, the nations are neighbors with a shared history and geography.
The ongoing border disputes must be resolved through technical and legal frameworks based on international law and established bilateral mechanisms to prevent future violence. Samdech Thipadei, reflecting on the past, noted that such clashes bring no real benefits and highlighted the suffering of soldiers and civilians caught in the conflict. Those who instigated the violence remained far from the battlefield, a lesson for both nations to prevent history from repeating itself.