Wednesday, 30 July 2025

Cambodia–Thailand conflict

Meng Heang TAK (Clarinda) (09:53): I rise to express my utter heartbreak over the recent border clashes in Thailand and Cambodia. Dozens of soldiers and civilians have been killed and injured over the past week, with many thousands more displaced from their home as a result of the fighting. On Sunday thousands of Cambodians across the world in New Zealand, South Korea and right here on the steps of Parliament gathered to demand peace and justice, and I express my firm solidarity with them.

Cambodia is a nation that has been ravaged by war. The vast majority of Cambodian Australians are here in Australia having fled genocide and war. Cambodia does not seek war, only peace, and I echo the call of so many Cambodian Australians to seek a long-lasting and sustainable peace. The proper place for resolution for this border dispute is at the International Court of Justice, through the Paris peace accord of 1991 or through bilateral negotiations. This dispute must be resolved through words but not weapons. As a result, I welcome the ceasefire agreement and express my sincere hope for long-lasting and sustainable peace. I am heartbroken for the dozens of lives lost and those injured as part of the conflict on both sides. I acknowledge the efforts of those gathering around the world to demand peace, and I call on the Australian government to take an active role in continuing to foster peace between Thailand and Cambodia.