War Brings Only Loss A Call for Peace Between Thailand and Cambodia

War Brings Only Loss A Call for Peace Between Thailand and Cambodia

Introduction

The recent armed clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, primarily over the disputed territory surrounding the Preah Vihear Temple, have raised grave concerns across Southeast Asia and the global community. While both nations claim sovereignty over certain border areas, the path of violence has once again proven to be a self-destructive one — hurting not only armies and governments, but above all, the innocent citizens caught in the crossfire.

This article is a sincere appeal to both countries: War does not bring victory — it brings devastation, suffering, and long-term instability. Peace through dialogue, diplomacy, and international cooperation is the only way forward.

🌍 The Roots of the Conflict

The current escalation centers around the Preah Vihear Temple, a centuries-old Hindu heritage site situated near the Thai-Cambodian border. Although the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in 1962 that the temple belonged to Cambodia, the surrounding 4.6 square kilometers of land remain a point of contention.

Despite decades of negotiations and previous ceasefires, recent tensions escalated due to military build-ups, territorial fencing, and a deadly skirmish near Chang Bok in May 2025. What followed was a series of artillery exchanges, airstrikes, and troop movements — plunging both countries into a highly volatile situation.

🚨 Consequences of War: A Reality Check

1. Humanitarian Crisis

• Over 200,000 civilians have been displaced across both countries.

• Families have been forced to flee their homes, leaving behind livelihoods, schools, and safety.

• Children and the elderly suffer the most in camps with limited access to healthcare, clean water, and education.

2. Military and Economic Losses

• Dozens of soldiers and civilians have lost their lives.

• The cost of war — military operations, jet fuel, ammunition, logistics — runs into millions of dollars daily.

• Border businesses have collapsed. Tourism, once a backbone of both economies, has nearly halted.

3. Damage to International Image

• The international community views this conflict as regressive and unnecessary.

• Both countries have been urged to resolve the matter peacefully under ASEAN and UN frameworks.

• Prolonged fighting risks sanctions, reduced foreign investment, and a loss of moral authority in global forums.

🙏 A Message to the Leaders: Choose Peace Over Pride

Thailand and Cambodia share not only a border, but also centuries of cultural, linguistic, and religious ties. Both nations follow Theravāda Buddhism, which teaches compassion, non-violence, and the middle path. In the light of this shared spiritual heritage, the question arises:

How can two Buddhist nations justify war, displacement, and destruction over a strip of land?

True leadership is not shown by how many soldiers are deployed or how many bombs are dropped — it is shown by the courage to step back, talk, and find peace even in difficult moments.

📜 The Need for an International Peace Treaty

A permanent solution lies not in bullets, but in binding agreements. Both countries must come together under the supervision of neutral international bodies (e.g., ASEAN, UN, or the ICJ) to:

• Demarcate borders clearly and legally.

• Establish joint administration or a neutral buffer zone around the Preah Vihear Temple.

• Ensure demilitarization of the area to prevent future escalations.

• Form a cross-border council for trade, tourism, and cultural cooperation.

• Protect civilians under international humanitarian law.

Such a treaty would not only end the cycle of violence but also open new doors for mutual development, regional integration, and lasting friendship.

💡 The Voice of the People

The people of Cambodia and Thailand do not want war.

They want:

• Peaceful lives for their families,

• Access to education and jobs,

• Freedom to move, trade, and grow.

Let this be a moment where governments truly listen to their people, not nationalist rhetoric.

✌️ Conclusion:

The True Victory

War is a defeat for humanity. The only real victory is peace — when soldiers return to their families, when children return to school, and when both nations grow in unity and prosperity.

To the governments of Thailand and Cambodia:

Let this not be remembered as a time of bloodshed, but as the turning point when two proud nations chose wisdom over war, peace over pride, and people over politics.

Sign the treaty. Secure the peace. Save the future.

Syed Ali Raza

Visionary of Peace, Economic Reform, and Global Unity