A Cambodian analyst says Phnom Penh may choose to refrain from launching military retaliation against Thailand, but should not remain silent on the international stage. He argues that Cambodia cannot afford to ignore legal mechanisms while Thai forces continue cross-border attacks.
Civil society observers are calling on all political leaders to submit formal letters to major embassies in Phnom Penh, urging foreign governments to pressure Thailand to halt what they describe as ongoing aggression.
Sek Socheat, a development and research adviser, told The Cambodia Daily that Cambodia should begin compiling documents and evidence for a potential case at the International Court of Justice. He said Thailand has violated Cambodian sovereignty and endangered civilians without regard for international law or universal human rights principles.
He also urged Cambodians overseas to stage demonstrations outside the parliaments of the countries where they live, to draw attention to Thai military actions that have killed civilians in recent days.
At home, he called on young Cambodians to prepare to support national defence efforts as the country faces what he described as a dangerous moment.
Sek Socheat appealed for political leaders to show unity and support their fellow Cambodians instead of exercising patience toward foreign aggression. He added that the government should consider releasing detained youth activists as a gesture of national solidarity during the crisis.
His comments come as Cambodia and Thailand face renewed border fighting. Cambodia has not yet taken any formal legal action against Thailand at the international level.
Major international news organisations, including CNA, CNN, BBC, AP, Reuters, CGTN, Al Jazeera, Nikkei Asia, DW, and France 24, have reported on Thailand’s airstrikes using F-16 fighter jets inside Cambodian territory. Several outlets have described the attacks as a sign of the breakdown of the US brokered peace plan agreed in late October.
In Australia, three non-governmental organisations, including the Khmer Democracy Organization, the Cambodian Action Group, and the 23 October Association, issued a joint appeal on December 9. They called on the international community to condemn Thailand’s actions, which they say threaten the lives of Cambodian civilians and undermine regional stability.
The groups said Thailand’s use of force against Cambodia is unjustifiable and poses an immediate threat to civilian safety and peace in the region.
On December 9, ruling party leader Hun Sen ordered Cambodian forces to strike back against Thai troops at every point where Thailand had advanced. He said Cambodia had already waited more than twenty-four hours with respect to the ceasefire and to allow evacuations before responding.
Hun Sen said Cambodian forces launched counterattacks on the evening of December 8 and continued through Monday night and into Tuesday morning, insisting the country must exercise its right to defend its territory.
