History Asked, Law Answered: Let The World See Cambodia's War History

History Asked, Law Answered: Let the World See Cambodia’s War History This podcast explains Cambodia’s long history and repeated conflicts with Thailand, using history, dates, and international law, not hatred. Cambodia is one of the oldest civilizations in Southeast Asia. It began with Funan in the 1st century CE, followed by Chenla, and became a great empire in 802 CE when King Jayavarman II founded the Angkor Empire. For more than 600 years, Khmer kings ruled a strong country with advanced law, engineering, water systems, and culture, building over 1,000 temples, including Angkor Wat. The Thai kingdom formed later, with early Tai states appearing from the 13th century onward, centuries after Cambodia’s civilization had already existed. When Angkor weakened in the 14th–15th centuries, Siamese armies invaded Khmer lands. In 1431, Angkor was attacked. Cities were looted, and Khmer kings were removed or taken to Ayutthaya. Many things were taken from Cambodia, including: • Sacred texts and historical records • Skilled artisans and craftsmen • Classical dancers and musicians • Bronze works and court arts • Elements of Khmer language, rituals, martial arts, and culture In 1594, the Cambodian capital Longvek fell. Khmer nobles, scholars, and artists were again taken to Siam. For centuries, Khmer kings were controlled, installed, or removed, and Cambodia lost provinces such as Battambang, Siem Reap, and Sisophon, while tribute was demanded. During the French period, borders were defined by law. The Siamese–French Treaties of 1904 and 1907 returned Battambang, Siem Reap, and Sisophon to Cambodia, while Trat Province and nearby islands were exchanged to Siam. This happened through treaties, not war. During World War II, Thailand took Cambodian land again in 1941, but after the Allied victory, the land was returned in 1946. In 1954–1955, Thai forces occupied Preah Vihear Temple. Cambodia chose law instead of war. The International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that Preah Vihear belongs to Cambodia and reconfirmed this decision in 2013. Cambodia then suffered greatly: • 1975–1979: genocide • 1979–1989: foreign control Peace returned with the Paris Peace Agreements on 23 October 1991. However, conflicts returned again: • 2008: fighting around Preah Vihear • 2013: Cambodia won again at the ICJ • 2025: new tensions at Ta Krabey, where international courts were refused and only bilateral talks were demanded The podcast ends with a clear message: Cambodia has never sought war. It has repeatedly chosen law over force, courts over conflict, and peace over aggression. The world is asked to look at history carefully, check the facts, and support peace through international law.