Thailand-Cambodia border conflict is profound concern

In an interview with Italian Catholic news agency AgenSIR, the President of the Thai Bishops’ Conference, Archbishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondarattana, called for dialogue, negotiation, and international mediation as pathways to lasting peace.

Tensions across the Thai and Cambodian border erupted on July 24, in ongoing clashes that have resulted in at least 33 people dead and more than 168,000 displaced.

Archbishop Arpondarattana said that the Church is close to the ordinary people who live in the border areas. “They suffer displacement, loss of livelihoods, and constant threats of violence,” he said.

“The Church unequivocally condemns all acts of violence against civilians,” the archbishop said. “We reiterate that international humanitarian law must be respected, and that non-combatants – including women, children, and the elderly – must always be protected.”

The 800-kilometre frontier between the two countries has been disputed for decades, but past confrontations have been limited and brief.

“The Church is fully aware that border disputes, although presented as mere territorial issues, are often exploited for political purposes,” Archbishop Arpondarattana said.

He added that “these tensions may be manipulated to stoke nationalist sentiments” and can distract the population “from domestic issues” and “serve the interests of specific political actors”.

This places “short-term political opportunism” above the well-being of the population and hinders a peaceful, sustainable long-term resolution, he said.

The archbishop said that the Church has often warned against “the dangers of extreme nationalism”, and that border conflicts like this one stem from historical complexities and disagreements which need to be considered and understood in order to promote “genuine reconciliation and fair solutions” that lead to a more peaceful future.

He added that the Church has been providing essential items, humanitarian assistance and spiritual comfort to those affected through the Catholic Office for Emergency Relief and Refugees (COERR) of the Thai Bishops’ Conference.

UPDATE: The leaders of Cambodia and Thailand agreed to a ceasefire late on July 28.

FULL STORY

Thai Catholic Church voices concern over Cambodia border conflict – Vatican News (Vatican News)

Thai, Cambodian leaders agree to ceasefire after five days of battle | RNZ News (RNZ/Reuters)

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