Post by : Saif Rahman

The resurgence of air strikes and intense clashes between Thailand and Cambodia has thrown the region into turmoil once again. The previously tenuous ceasefire has disintegrated, highlighting how rapidly old conflicts can reignite when trust erodes and violence resurfaces.

Thailand has confirmed its air force conducted strikes within Cambodian territory following renewed confrontations along the contested border. The violence resulted in the death of at least one Thai soldier and several injuries. Thai authorities assert that their military actions target Cambodian positions to avert further conflict.

Conversely, Cambodia presents a different account. Its defense ministry reported that Thai forces initiated early morning assaults without provocation, emphasizing that Cambodian troops refrained from responding. Furthermore, they noted that three Cambodian civilians sustained serious injuries. Former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen criticized Thailand, deeming them the aggressors and advising his military to maintain composure and resist retaliatory actions.

The civilian toll of this escalating situation is deeply concerning. In Thailand, over 385,000 individuals are evacuating from the border region, with more than 35,000 already residing in temporary shelters. Families are leaving their homes, farms, and schools with minimal warning.

On the Cambodian side, civilians are also fleeing the border area. Entire families from nearby towns are relocating upon hearing artillery fire and explosions, with thousands already moved to safer locations.

This conflict has its roots in a longstanding border dispute that dates back over a century. The boundary was first delineated in 1907 during the era of French colonialism, with many sections remaining ambiguously defined. This ambiguity has led to repeated skirmishes, including violent engagements in 2011 and a severe five-day conflict earlier this year.

In July, the exchange of rockets and heavy artillery resulted in dozens of fatalities and the displacement of hundreds of thousands. Despite a ceasefire brokered with the assistance of the United States and Malaysia, tensions resurfaced after Thailand accused Cambodia of laying new landmines, with a Thai soldier sustaining injuries due to an explosion. Subsequently, Thailand suspended its adherence to the ceasefire, leading to a new wave of hostilities.

This ongoing situation starkly illustrates a painful reality: peace agreements are vulnerable without genuine trust. Mere words cannot mitigate fear, anger, or mistrust. When dialogue breaks down, violence takes precedence.

The true casualties are not the political figures or military commanders but rather the farmers, children, and the elderly fleeing from their homes. They are the families seeking refuge and the workers whose livelihoods vanish overnight.

ASEAN leaders have advocated for restraint and constructive dialogue. This approach is critical moving forward. More violence cannot resolve a border dispute that has persisted for over a century.

Thailand and Cambodia must commit to dialogue, with ongoing support from international mediators. Most importantly, both nations must prioritize human welfare over nationalistic pride.

History will not focus on who initiated the conflict, but rather on the number of lives saved or lost.

Choosing peace is not a sign of weakness; it is the most powerful decision a nation can make.

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