Cambodians Urge Australia to Take “Decisive Diplomatic Action” on Border with Thailand
A coalition of over 600 Cambodian students and alumni studying in Australia has submitted a formal petition to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, urging the Australian government to take “decisive diplomatic action” to end Thailand’s invasion of Cambodia and protect civilians impacted by the conflict.
In a letter addressed to the Australian Prime Minister on December 24, the group urged Australia to take action to immediately stop Thailand’s military invasion of Cambodia and end the devastating loss of innocent lives and destruction of Cambodian infrastructure.
The groups mentioned that heavy and advanced weapons, including tanks, armoured vehicles, various types of heavy artillery, suicide drones, toxic chemical smoke and F-16 fighter jets, have been used by Thailand to drop bombs, destroying bridges, homes, schools and public buildings.
In addition, hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians have been forced to flee their homes in fear, seeking refuge in safe areas.
“The scale of human suffering in Cambodia is severe and deeply alarming, particularly for women, children and the elderly,” a letter said, calling for the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of civilians.
“We respectfully urge the Australian Government to urge Thailand to immediately cease all acts of military invasion of Cambodia and attacks on civilians, and to strictly comply with the ceasefire agreement, use its diplomatic influence to press for the protection of civilians, and support a peaceful resolution through regional and international mechanisms,” the letter said.
A group added that Australia’s leadership and voice are critical at this moment, stressing that “timely and decisive action” can help prevent further loss of life and contribute to peace in the region.
Similarly, a letter was submitted to the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong, on December 15, Cambodians requested Australia’s support to protect civilians and preserve peace along the border between Cambodia and Thailand.
“We kindly request that the Australian Government support diplomatic de-escalation, humanitarian protection for civilians, and regional stability in line with its Indo-Pacific,” a letter said, hoping that Australia will continue to stand with Cambodia during this difficult time and help safeguard peace for all communities along the border.
We could not contact the Australian Embassy in Cambodia as it is closed from December 25 to 29, but the letter was acknowledged by Australian Ambassador to Cambodia Derek Yip.
The border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand has entered its 20th day. According to the Ministry of Interior, as of 1pm on December 25, a total of 639,987 Cambodians have been displaced, 30 civilians killed and a further 88 injured.