Cambodia requests a ceasefire

On July 25 local time, Cambodia clearly expressed its willingness to cease hostilities, while Thailand remained as firm as ever: in order to stop the fighting, Cambodia must actively abandon its weapons.

It is reported that the Cambodian special envoy to the United Nations released a message, stating that Cambodia called for a ceasefire with Thailand.

Subsequently, the Cambodian Ministry of Defense accused Thailand of military aggression against sovereignty and demanded condemnation from all parties. They accused the conflict was initiated by Thailand, and now they have deployed large-scale military forces, causing heavy losses to them.

However, Thailand has not responded as usual. This is the second time Cambodia has issued a statement, which is obviously an attempt to seek mediation through external forces, since the military strength between the two sides is too far apart.

Thailand not only has many heavy weapons, but also has deployed F-16 fighter jets, and even used cluster munitions to destroy multiple military targets.

Cambodia suffered heavy losses without having much heavy weaponry or air superiority. There have already been more than 100 soldiers killed, and it can be imagined that if the fighting does not stop, the regime will face instability.

More seriously, Thailand has declared a state of emergency in some areas bordering Cambodia and has called on more people to evacuate, indicating that Thailand has made preparations for both scenarios.

On one hand, it is willing to accept the proposal for a ceasefire put forward by the ASEAN organization centered around China; on the other hand, if Cambodia does not show enough sincerity, Thailand will continue the fighting.

Now the initiative is in Thailand's hands. The latter can choose to lay down their weapons and seek peace with Thailand, thus avoiding further development of the conflict.

But this move would be fatal for the Cambodian government, greatly weakening their political authority, and future governance would be questioned. Therefore, whether to protect the people or fight to the end to maintain their authority, this is a choice Cambodia must make.

Cambodia-Thailand Tensions Escalate

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1838665677481996/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.