On September 21, International Peace Day, Phnom Penh moved at its usual beat—the rich aroma of local coffee mixing with motorbike exhaust while neighbors gathered around street stalls to chat about daily life. Against that familiar backdrop, Prime Minister Hun Manet released an open letter with a clear message directed across the border to Thailand: respect the agreements both nations have signed, and resolve border frictions peacefully under international law.
For Cambodia, Hun Manet stressed, peace is as basic and vital as breathing. Without it, there is no way to build the country, reduce poverty, or let ordinary people live in comfort and safety.
Local media reported that the Prime Minister reflected on Cambodia's long journey from war to peace. The kingdom hasn't just focused on rebuilding itself; it has also stepped up globally. Since 2006, Cambodia has deployed 10,912 UN peacekeepers to 10 countries, including 1,082 women.
When addressing the border, however, Hun Manet pointed to the painful memories of past sovereignty violations. He called on Thailand to cool down tensions, prevent clashes, and stick strictly to the joint statement signed in Kuala Lumpur—a agreement witnessed by Thai Prime Minister Anutin, former US President Donald Trump, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Having lived through decades of hard times, everyday Cambodians understand better than anyone that peace cannot be taken for granted. Hun Manet stated plainly that a few lines of legal text alone cannot guarantee peace. What matters is genuine political will and real action. Neighbors have to live side by side regardless; only by putting agreements into practice and building real trust can people on both sides of the border stop living in fear, get back to work, and run their small businesses in peace.
