In a dramatic closed-door meeting at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Thailand’s esteemed Ambassador Cherdchai Chaivaivid made an impassioned appeal, calling for a cessation of hostilities and an urgent return to peaceful negotiations with neighboring Cambodia. The world watched with bated breath as Cherdchai’s plea followed a surge of intense and devastating clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces. This conflict erupted unexpectedly on the morning of July 24, 2025, leaving a trail of destruction as Cambodian forces launched attacks on Thai civilians, their homes, cherished hospitals, and bustling petrol stations.
With ardent conviction, Cherdchai condemned Cambodia’s aggressive actions as profoundly inhumane. He meticulously outlined Cambodia’s breaches of several pivotal international agreements, shaking the foundation of long-standing diplomatic relations:
- The Paris Peace Agreements (1991): Reflecting on a shared history and regional solidarity, Cherdchai emphasized Thailand’s unwavering commitment to Cambodia’s peace and development since its independence in 1953. The Paris Peace Agreements, forged in 1991, serve as a cornerstone for peace, spotlighting shared goals like limiting global temperature rises, endorsed by 195 parties at the 2015 COP21 Summit in Paris.
- The Ottawa Convention (Mine Ban Treaty): Thailand stood firmly in denouncing Cambodia’s disregard for the Ottawa Convention, a treaty that both nations are signatories to, which strictly prohibits the use, production, and stockpiling of anti-personnel landmines. This blatant violation not only contradicts international consensus but also directly opposes the aspirations of the Siem Reap-Angkor Declaration, crafted in November 2024, striving for a mine-free world.
- The Siem Reap-Angkor Declaration: This Declaration’s noble vision seeks a world devoid of anti-personnel landmines by 2024—a stark contrast to the current hostilities undermining such efforts.
- The Geneva Conventions of 1949: These pivotal conventions exist to safeguard vulnerable persons embroiled in conflict, offering protection and care indiscriminately to civilians, medical staff, and humanitarian workers. Cherdchai upheld Articles 19 and 18 as indispensable for enshrining the safety and dignity of those caught in the crossfire.
Following his poignant discourse on Cambodia’s flagrant violations, the Thai envoy addressed their response to the aggressive maneuvers. Despite exhibiting remarkable restraint, Thailand invoked its right to self-defense, enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter. This decisive action was limited strictly to neutralizing the immediate threat offered by Cambodian forces, meticulously focusing solely on legitimate military objectives while diligently prioritizing the minimization of civilian casualties.
In a resolute declaration, Cherdchai underscored that Thailand’s military actions were aligned with international law, and in careful compliance with Article 51, which affirms a member state’s inherent right to self-defense during an armed attack, contingent upon the UNSC’s overarching mandate to restore peace.
In these trying times, Thailand’s unwavering commitment to upholding international law shines as a beacon of hope, standing firm in advocating for a return to negotiation and the collective pursuit of peace and security. Cherdchai Chaivaivid’s heartfelt address left an indelible mark, echoing a call for diplomacy and humanity amidst the cacophony of conflict. As the world looks on, the UNSC faces the monumental task of ushering in an era where diplomacy triumphs over discord—where the enduring quest for peace and justice remains at the heart of global camaraderie.
How could Cambodia violate the Ottawa Convention like that? It’s as if they don’t care about the consequences at all!
I think they might be desperate. Sometimes countries take drastic measures when they feel cornered.
Desperation is not an excuse for violating international treaties. Human lives are at stake!
This conflict runs deep. The Paris Peace Agreements were supposed to prevent this. It makes you wonder if diplomacy actually works.
Diplomacy has its limits. It’s not always effective when the root causes of conflict aren’t addressed.
But if not diplomacy, then what? War and conflict aren’t the answers either.
Cherdchai’s speech was moving. He reminded everyone what’s at stake here: people’s lives. It’s not just about politics.
True, but sometimes politics is what determines those lives. The policy decisions made in boardrooms have real world impacts.
Thailand is right to defend itself under UN Charter Article 51. They have the right to protect their citizens!
But their self-defense must be proportional, otherwise it risks escalating the conflict further.
Of course, Sofi. I’m just glad they’re adhering to international law standards.
Can’t believe we’re still having wars in 2025. Isn’t it time to solve problems with words rather than weapons?
Sadly, human nature hasn’t changed much. As long as there are disagreements, there will be conflict.
The Siem Reap-Angkor Declaration was supposed to make a difference. In reality, it’s just paper if not taken seriously.
True, declarations need enforcement mechanisms. Otherwise, it’s just empty words.
Exactly, Oliver. Tired of seeing grand promises with no follow-up.
I’m glad Thailand is standing strong. Cambodia needs to answer for their actions.
Do we know why Cambodia started this? Seems like there must be more to the story.
It’s probably about resources or land disputes. These are common reasons for conflicts between neighbors.
We need a mediator who can handle this. Someone neutral to bring both countries to the table.
Would they even listen though? Sometimes countries aren’t ready to compromise.
The use of force is disheartening. It’s like both countries forgot all about the Geneva Conventions.
It’s a grim reminder of how fragile human rights are during conflict. Protection often gets overlooked.
Cambodia should cease this aggression immediately. No more innocent lives lost!
It’s sad that the UN struggles to enforce peace. Seems like their hands are tied most of the time.
I agree, but the UN can only do so much. Sovereign nations often don’t heed their resolutions.
Let’s not act like Thailand is completely innocent here. I bet there’s more going on behind closed doors.
Both sides need to prioritize humanitarian aid. Civilians are always the ones who suffer the most.
So much talk about war. What about rebuilding? We need effort going towards repair and relief.
The economic fallout from this conflict will be immense on both sides. Peace isn’t just preferable; it’s necessary.
Can we not just send them both to time out like in kindergarten? Seems like they need it.
With today’s diplomacy tools, conflicts like this shouldn’t escalate. It’s a failure of leadership on all fronts.
If Cambodia doesn’t back down, there should be international sanctions. They can’t just get away scot-free.
I imagine there’s a lot of misinformation being spread about the start of this conflict. Would love to know the real story.
Holding countries accountable is a must. Cambodia should be held responsible for any war crimes committed.