Thai Public Advised Against Sharing Anti-Cambodia Videos

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Facebook Stay in Thailand

 

In a bid to prevent escalating tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has urged the public to refrain from sharing video clips that might portray Cambodia in a negative light.

 

This appeal comes amidst rising concerns over the potential for these videos to fuel misunderstandings and possibly lead to war between the two nations.

 

The situation comes at a time when the Royal Thai Army is conducting routine military exercises near the border—a practice Army Chief Gen. Pana Klaewplodthuk insists is part of regular defence preparations and should not be misconstrued as a mobilisation of troops.

 

"There is no movement beyond the ordinary; just a commitment to safeguarding Thai sovereignty," he affirmed. He further stressed that dialogues between the two nations remain ongoing to ensure peace along the shared border.

Phumtham publicly called for restraint, emphasizing that Thailand seeks amiable relations with its neighbours through discourse rather than aggression. He pointed out that disinformation and provocative actions could incite unnecessary discord.

 

Notably, he criticised a political leader’s intention to organise activities near the historically contentious Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple, stating that such actions could breach bilateral agreements.

 

As Thailand continues its military exercises, Lt. Gen. Boonsin Phadklang, commander of the 2nd Army Region, assessed the combat readiness of the 103rd Artillery Battalion.

 

In his address, he stressed the importance of readiness among troops, highlighting the need for preparedness in both personnel and equipment. Troops have been advised to stand by for immediate deployment should the situation necessitate it.

 

The historical schism between Thailand and Cambodia over border issues adds a layer of complexity to the current situation. Although both countries have at times found themselves at odds over territorial claims and monuments, diplomatic efforts continue to play a crucial role in resolving misunderstandings. Such conciliatory dialogues are paramount in avoiding potential confrontations.

 

As tensions simmer, both nations are urged to balance military preparedness with diplomatic conversations, endeavouring to dispel misunderstandings rather than deepen divisions. In Thailand, the public is encouraged to remain cautious about the information they circulate, promoting facts over speculation in the interest of regional stability.

 

The cost of these diplomatic and military efforts is significant, but they are crucial investments for sustaining peace. In this vein, the regional community looks towards both nations to exemplify responsibility and restraint in easing tensions and paving the way for lasting amity, reported Thai Newsroom.

 

-- 2025-03-08

 

 

[JimHuaHin]

Who is sharing these videos?

 

Thai ultra-nationalists?

[BangkokReady]

Does anyone else find it weird that Thais seem so threatened by Cambodia?  You would think they have something over them, the way some Thais behave, yet Thailand is obviously so much more successful.

[mfd101]

4 hours ago, BangkokReady said:

Does anyone else find it weird that Thais seem so threatened by Cambodia?  You would think they have something over them, the way some Thais behave, yet Thailand is obviously so much more successful.

There's a long history over hundreds of years, as the border moved back and forth. WW2 was a big one, as Japan-friendly Thailand took over much of Japan-run Cambodia (down at least to Siam Reap ['Defeat of Siam']) ... Many Thai movies are war movies about Thais on elephants defeating Cambodians (or Burmese) on elephants (yawn) ...

[UserC923]

Deputy Prime Minister, former communist ally

[BangkokReady]

2 hours ago, mfd101 said:

There's a long history over hundreds of years, as the border moved back and forth. WW2 was a big one, as Japan-friendly Thailand took over much of Japan-run Cambodia (down at least to Siam Reap ['Defeat of Siam']) ... Many Thai movies are war movies about Thais on elephants defeating Cambodians (or Burmese) on elephants (yawn) ...

 

I understand there's a bit of history between the two, but the way some Thais carry on, you would think that Cambodia was superior to Thailand and it makes these Thais lash out.

 

I don't understand why some Thais act like they have almost an inferiority complex towards Cambodia, when Thailand appears to be obviously much more successful.

[Burma Bill]

8 hours ago, webfact said:

fuel misunderstandings and possibly lead to war between the two nations.

 

 

Now living in Cambodia, I can understand this country's concerns about land grabbing by Thailand.

When one uses the lesser known border crossing between Choam (Anlong Veng District, Cambodia) and Sangam (Sisaket Province, Thailand), having completed formalities at the respective immigration offices, and when travelling onwards into Thailand, within a couple or so kilometres you are stopped again at a checkpoint manned by the Thai Military. Photos are taken of you and your vehicle, along with passport inspections. This military checkpoint, according to my Khmer host, was the original border crossing and the land back to the current checkpoints was annexed by Thailand during the Cambodian Conflict 1979 - 1998. 

 

Choam - Sangam Border Crossing - no large buildings, mostly ground floor huts.

 

[dddave]

Things can get out of hand very quickly.  Those with long memories will remember the "Soap Opera" incident in the early 2000's.

At that time, Cambodian TV mostly rebroadcast Thai shows and "La Korn", Thai soap operas dubbed into Khmer.

 

In one such soap, a central character declared Angkor Wat belonged to Thailand and should be taken back.

 

 Dictat...uh..President Hun Sen went nuts, going on radio and calling for mass demonstrations against Thai "Imperialism" Naturally, it got out of hand.  The Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh was sacked as were several major Thai owned Hotels.  Borders were closed and remained so for over a year.  The economic impact on Cambodia was immediate.  Thailand was their biggest customer and also source for electrical power in many border provinces.   Cambodia had to pay to rebuild the embassy, compensate the hotel owners and other effected businesses and agree to trade concessions favorable to Thailand to finally get the border re-opened.

All this over a line of dialog in a soap opera.

[watchcat]

On 3/8/2025 at 1:15 AM, JimHuaHin said:

Who is sharing these videos?

 

Thai ultra-nationalists?

 

Pol Pot lovers?  What a monster btw