Statement
By the Network of Peace Studies Institutions & Peace and Human Rights Organizations (36 organizations) on the Ongoing Conflict and Clashes along the Thai - Cambodian Border
“We call upon both governments to respect the ceasefire agreement and to pursue peaceful means for resolving the conflict. We urge the involvement of a neutral diplomatic intermediary to facilitate a transparent and impartial fact-finding process. We appeal to the people of both countries to refrain from sweeping accusations and hate speech against one another. We urge that the media uphold professional ethics by refraining from the dissemination of misinformation and propaganda and instead serve as a safe and constructive platform for public communication.”
Following the joint Thai–Cambodian meeting held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 28th July 2025, during which both parties reached an agreement to implement an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, the Network of Peace Studies Institutions & Peace and Human Rights Organizations expresses its full support for the efforts undertaken by both countries to adopt peaceful means in resolving the violent conflict that has unfolded over the past week. To ensure a sustainable peace process, we respectfully call upon both governments and all relevant parties to undertake the following actions:
1. We call on both governments to uphold the ceasefire agreement, cease armed confrontation, and pursue diplomatic negotiations in search of a sustainable solution.
The involvement of a “third party” or “multilateral cooperation”, whether in the form of a mutually accepted diplomatic mediator or observer, can serve as a mechanism to foster mutual trust and ensure that the resolution process is fair, transparent, and impartial. Such mechanisms would create avenues for resolving the conflict through nonviolent means that take into account the interests of the parties involved.
2. We urge both governments to uphold mutual trust and build confidence among all stakeholders, including negotiating parties and the public.
The agreement for an immediate ceasefire must be demonstrably upheld through concrete actions based on mutually accepted procedures, accompanied by a credible and transparent monitoring and verification mechanism.
3. Foster Channels of Communication and Strengthen People-to-People Relations
The relationship between the people of Thailand and Cambodia should not be diminished by immediate conflicts. Political disputes must not be allowed to undermine the longstanding connections between the peoples of both nations. Therefore, promoting spaces for communication - through media, education, culture, and civil society cooperation - can play a vital role in countering the spread of misinformation, harmful generalizations, and the incitement of hatred.
As neighboring countries, the peoples of Thailand and Cambodia share a deep-rooted history, strong bonds, geographic proximity, and close economic, social, and cultural ties. Perceiving one another as an adversary only undermines the potential for future cooperation and mutual growth.
4. Provide appropriate reparations for victims and those affected by the violence.
Implement compensation and recovery measures for those who lost their lives or were impacted by violence, including psychological, economic, and social rehabilitation, through a transparent and inclusive process.
5. We urge the media to report information responsibly, upholding the principles of accuracy, balance, and fairness, while fostering a safe space for public communication.
The media should be cautious in their use of language, avoiding inflammatory, sensational, or biased expressions. At the same time, we call on the public to consume information with maturity, to critically assess and be aware of content and commentary that may be prejudiced or incite hatred. We emphasize the importance of creating a safe and constructive communication space grounded in facts and accurate information, in order to collectively seek peaceful resolutions to the conflict.
Conflict often leads people to believe that there is no alternative response to violence other than violence itself. However, the people of both countries always have the option to hope for a future of mutual coexistence and reconciliation. Certainly, the peace process may not follow a straight path, but we expect the governments of both countries to collaborate in sustaining and advancing the peace process toward successful outcomes. We reiterate that peace is not merely a goal, but a continuous process that requires collective commitment and action starting today.
With respect for all lives and hope for peace,
Network of Peace Studies Institutions & Peace and Human Rights Organizations
29th July 2025
The Network of Peace Studies Institutions & Peace and Human Rights Organizations includes:
1. Center for Conflict Studies and Cultural Diversity (CSCD), Institute of Peace Studies, Prince of Songkla University
2. Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies, Mahidol University
3. Peace Information Center, Faculty of Political Science, Thammasat University
4. Center for Peace Communication Studies and Development, Faculty of Communication Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus
5. Research and Development Center for Education for Sustainable Development, Chulalongkorn University
6. Muslim Studies Center, Institute of Asian Studies, Chulalongkorn University
7. Interfaith Friends for Peace Network, Mahidol University
8. Peace Resource Collaborative Foundation (PRC)
9. Union for Civil Liberty (UCL)
10. Child and Youth Media Institute
11. Peace and Culture Foundation
12. Foundation for Human Rights and Development
13. Association for Peace and Development
14. Culture for Development Foundation of Asia
15. Thai Civic Education Foundation
16. Buddhist Network for Peace
17. Institute for Buddhist Way of Life Management for Well-being and Peace Foundation
18. Spirit in Education Movement (SEM)
19. Civil Society Council of the Southernmost Thailand
20. Narathiwat Civil Society Association
21. Kampong Taqwa Association (KTA)
22. People’s College
23. Association for People's Peace (APP) / Gerakan Damai Rakyat (GDR)
24. Federation of Private Schools of Southern Thailand Association
25. Duayjai Association for Humanitarian Assistance
26. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amporn Marddent, Faculty of Sociology and Anthropology, Thammasat University
27. Wilasinee Sophaphon, Researcher, Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence against Women (CEVAW), Griffith University, Australia
28. Fairose Yuebensuk, President, Islam Patronage School Foundation
29. Thai–Middle East Business Executive Program, Chulalongkorn University
30. Trade and Business Development Institute, Krirk University
31. SME Consultant Network Association
32. Foundation for Thai SMEs
33. FYP Group Service Co., Ltd.
34. Desert Horizon Co., Ltd.
35. Cross Cultural Foundation (CrCF)
36. Women and Social Security Research Center, Walailak University