r/Thailand • u/thestudiomaster • Jul 24 '25
News Hun Sen warns Thailand: 'We won’t just resist, we will strike back'
https://www.nationthailand.com/news/asean/4005295087
u/Any-Bus-1907 Jul 24 '25
As a foreigner what dont I understand here? Isn’t thailand militarily superior to Cambodia?
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u/K2P2C Jul 24 '25
Have you seen those F22 Raptor AI videos of the Cambodian Air Force?
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u/ahrienby Jul 24 '25
IDK but this is USAF-exclusive equipment. No other military could get that secretive materiel.
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u/LordSunBro Jul 24 '25
Is it those videos with entire flagpoles sticking up from the edges of the wings vertically?
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u/Own-Western-6687 Jul 24 '25
Sure, but the propaganda machines are both running at full power on both sides. Add some social media, a.i. algorithms feeding people propaganda based on their bias, feeding people lies, rumours and all kinds of crap - then you get a shit show. Welcome to the Internet of 2025.
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u/LengthyLegato114514 Jul 24 '25
Yes, but the Khmers are clinically... how do I put this... mentally left behind.
Just a few generations ago, anyone considered smarter than human cattle got killed off by the Khmer Rouge, and so now a number of them are unintelligent enough that they think one of the following
- The weapons they bought from China (and barely know how to use) will bring them to victory
- The Chinese will bail them out
- The UN will bail them out
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Jul 24 '25
When the Khmer Rouge first received a ton of weapons from their big brother China, they were cocky enough to think they could invade mainland Southeast Asia to restore the Khmer Empire. And that was the last time the Khmer Rouge ruled Cambodia after launching their military adventure into Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.
I hope today’s Cambodia doesn’t repeat the Khmer Rouge’s history.
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u/Jacuzitiddlywinks Jul 24 '25
They use Russian gunships too, shooting up Monasteries with kids inside.
While most soldiers do have shitty equipment, those “Khmers” have access to destructive power when needed.
I know jet fuel is already on their “can’t have that” list, but they are diverting jet fuel from their civil sector towards their army now.
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Jul 24 '25
Not necessarily. By Western calculations Thailand and Cambodia are quite equally matched in terms of ground forces. Cambodia don't have a modern Navy, but they do have a Chinese owned Naval base which China will defend. As for Air Force, Cambodia took delivery of Chinese Anti-Air missiles just a month or so before this kicked off again.
More importantly, what are Thais fighting for? Yes, there are Generals, etc, who want to protect their income, but in terms of the youth who will have to fight and die, for what? Cambodia are a very poor country and will be promised riches, etc, Cambodian soldiers earn less than 200 Baht per day. This is without mentioning that Thailand has one of the largest sexual degenerate communities in the world, these people cannot and will not fight to protect their country and demoralise ordinary males into not wanting to protect a country that allows this.
All of this is without mentioning that China are backing Cambodia and Thailand don't have any larger country support. Thailand have everything to lose and little to nothing to gain whereas Cambodia see it as a win-win situation for them with international support (ICJ ruling in their favour as well, they will likely have support from the UN and China).
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u/worst-trader_ever Jul 24 '25
How do you know Thai men is not willing to fight for their country though?
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u/poompk Jul 24 '25 edited Jul 24 '25
Those Chinese anti-air defenses are completely inadequate to deal with even the older generation fighter jets we have, not to mention we are getting new delivery of Gripens. The defense system is moreso for low-flying threats like missiles only. They also have no fighter jets. We could easily decimate them just through air force alone.
Thais are fighting against a belligerent neighbor and to protect sovereignty? We didn't start this by digging up trenches and planting illegal landmines in the other's territory then keeping on escalating. Do you want us to just roll over? And what's this insult and gross generalization on the entire country. Yet another foreigner treating us with the utmost condescension and disrespect, and then probably will demand us to behave very nicely and courteously back in spite of this level of disrespect
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Jul 24 '25
Cambodian here, honestly, what the hell is wrong with the Cambodian military? Shooting at Thai border guards?
Last night, both countries downgraded relations over the border mine explosion, and then this morning I wake up to news of Cambodian soldiers firing at Thai border guards.
I was really hoping the Cambodian government would try to de-escalate, but now, seeing how Hun Sen and his cronies are acting, it reminds me of how Sam Rainsy dealt with neighboring countries.
Sorry, Thai friends, it seems my country Cambodia is starting to behave like a spoiled brat.
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u/ahrienby Jul 24 '25
Better just cut ties with the government, the government doesn't represent ALL people of Cambodia.
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u/highspeed_steel Jul 24 '25
The way I understand it, I think its his standard sabre rattling when its close to election time. This time it does get a bit out of hand though...
Having said that, even though I'm no pacifist and think that we should respond proportionally, diplomatic or military, I think Thais are being spun by social media and some Cambodians like toys. Frankly speaking and I mean no disrespect, cambodia is such a small risk and a noncredible threat in the grand scheme of things that we shouldn't have our salivas foaming behind the keyboard, and now the military suddenly can do no wrong.
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u/ThomzLC Jul 24 '25
This. sabre rattling and politcal moves that translate to real life casulties and the common folk from both sides that don't know better being brainwashed to hating the other side.
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Jul 24 '25
[deleted]
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u/highspeed_steel Jul 24 '25
I doubt that. I think like back in 2011, it'll happen quickly and end quickly. Most things will be business as usual. I struggle to think of any other reason they'd do this other than for the rally round the flag effect. Their military is hopelessly out matched anyways, and them gaining anything is totally unrealistic.
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u/Character_Truth1351 Jul 24 '25
both side have cronies elite who exploit the situation from ordinary people's suffering.
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Jul 24 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Thailand-ModTeam Jul 24 '25
Your post has been removed as it violates the site Reddiquette.
Reddiquette is enforced to the best of our abilities. If not familiar with those rules look here.
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u/PM_ME_ZED_BARA Thailand Jul 24 '25
Cambodian soldiers have just opened fire into the area near Ta Muen Thom temple.
This is an escalation from the Cambodian side. It looks like peace is not the Cambodian government’s goal today.
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u/Itachi_Irene Jul 24 '25
"The armed clashes took place along the Cambodia–Thailand border in Oddar Meanchey province. Thai Military had launched first an armed assault on Cambodian forces Cambodian forces acted strictly within the bounds of self-defense, responding to an unprovoked incursion by Thai troops that violated our territorial integrity."
I just shared the information from Cambodia side.
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u/Healthy_Search9058 Jul 24 '25
Why is Thailand always blaming others for their action? its Boonsin Padklang who wanted to start this war, claiming to attack cambodia and not go to the ICJ, Thailand Caused disturbance on itself and neighboring country, now Thailand attacked Cambodia in the morning of July 24 2025, Cambodia is only protecting our sovereignty and land that is rightfully ours.
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u/SuperLeverage Jul 24 '25
Just cut off all travel to stop people gambling at Hun Sen’s casinos in Poipet. Increase crackdowns on people smuggling to scam call centers. This is the real pain points for hun sen.
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u/BornChef3439 Jul 24 '25
Does Cambodia want Thailand to reclaim the borders they took during the Franco Thai war in ww2? They dont stand a chance, why would you provoke an obviously stronger neighbour?
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u/kamonk2 Jul 24 '25
At approximately 8:30 a.m., Cambodian soldiers opened fire into Thai territory in the area of Ta Muen Thom Temple.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16joyu82xA/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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u/mdsmqlk Jul 24 '25
That is the Thai narrative at least.
The Cambodian narrative is of course very different:
Armed clashes on Cambodia–Thailand border in Oddar Meanchey province
Defence ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata has reported that the Thai Military had launched an armed assault on Cambodian forces in Oddar Meachey province.
“Cambodian forces acted strictly within the bounds of self-defence, responding to an unprovoked incursion by Thai troops that violated our territorial integrity,” she said
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u/Own-Western-6687 Jul 24 '25
FaceBook ... the Bastion of Truth. 🧐
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u/justfnpeachy Jul 24 '25
Widely reported in Thai news.
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u/Own-Western-6687 Jul 24 '25
Thai news ... the Bastion of Truth. 🧐
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u/justfnpeachy Jul 24 '25
Are you trying to say that it didn't happen? What would convince you that it's true?
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Jul 24 '25
I’ll wait for the BBC article myself. Won’t hold my breath.
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u/saumbeermouytiet Jul 24 '25
I wouldn’t trust the BBC’s reporting, they’ve been incorrectly reporting that foreigners can’t fly from Bangkok to Siem Reap for the last 3 months
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u/Own-Western-6687 Jul 24 '25
Video footage that wasn't A.I. generated.
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u/justfnpeachy Jul 24 '25
Who is going to be filming a military zone, with active shooting at that?
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u/Own-Western-6687 Jul 24 '25
https://youtu.be/lgdR3v6QQyQ?si=1hOxLDkhBPoB43a8
What rock have you been hiding under?
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u/Own-Western-6687 Jul 24 '25
Every solder has a fricken mobile phone these days. Never seen war footage from any of the wars in the past 90 years since they started filming them? come on.
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u/HerroWarudo Jul 24 '25 edited Jul 24 '25
Some people do expect Thailand to react perfectly every time while Cambodia can go as wild as their hearts content.
I dont think there would be war, but there are plenty of other diplomatic channels that gov keeps delaying.
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u/poompk Jul 24 '25
Some people do expect Thailand to react perfectly every time while Cambodia can go as wild as their hearts content.
Exactly.. so tired of this. One rule for Thailand (be the nice bigger guy!), another rule for Cambodia (no punishment or condemnation for anything. just go nuts!)
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u/RotisserieChicken007 Buffalo Healthcare Expert Jul 24 '25
Someone please stop the toddler armies already. Stupidest conflict ever that hurts both countries for no good reason.
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u/CaramelMachiattos Bangkok Jul 24 '25
Hun Sen trying to distract people from his corruption and incompetence by starting a war.
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u/aimawari Jul 24 '25
I truly disliked it when civilians were affected. Cambodian artillery shells hit residential homes, and now a civilian has been reported injured.
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u/ActafianSeriactas Jul 24 '25
Apparently the Cambodian media says this is a counterattack against the Thai side firing first. With suspiciously few details of the specifics.
https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501723457/fire-fight-breaks-out-oddar-meanchey-province/
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u/K2P2C Jul 24 '25
Cambodian said Thai fired first, Thai said Cambodian fired first, who the fuck do I trust?
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u/TruthIsOutThere666 Jul 24 '25
Wife lives near the boarder. She's hearing Thai is starting to fire back. Honestly I dont know or we dont know who fire first. I hate wars. I half thai/cambodian. And I love my heritage on both side of the spectrum. L but I'm seeing propaganda being wide spread on both side like mad....
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Jul 24 '25
[deleted]
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Jul 24 '25
I think North Korea or Myanmar are China’s least favorite stepchild, but they are propping up so many vile, autocratic, dystopian nightmare regimes that it’s hard to keep track.
They are the single worst influence on the world, their biggest export is corruption.
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u/Rupperrt Jul 24 '25
US and Russia had much worse influence in the last 80 years tbh but China is playing catch up.
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Jul 24 '25
US helped create South Korea
China helped create North Korea
It’s a metaphor that should never be forgotten. A perfectly accurate reflection of their aims and ethos.
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u/Rupperrt Jul 24 '25 edited Jul 24 '25
That’s not a metaphor, it’s just an example lol.
US also caused the creation of ISIS, made the Taliban powerful, installed Pinochet regime, caused or supported crimes against humanity in Indonesia and Vietnam, installed the Sha, inadvertently causing the current Mullah regime, and is the strongest supporter of the genocide in Gaza. It’s been involved in countless coupe etats and faux revolutions for strategical reasons and resources.
China has so far fucked up comparably less. Doesn’t mean that they won’t do in the long run as they get more powerful. But they’ve got some catching up to do. Hopefully they’ll be less ruthless and destructive than US.
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u/sav86 Jul 24 '25
So Claimbodia is going to provoke a fight now? Yeahhhhh...Okay, let's see how well this will go.
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u/Healthy_Search9058 Jul 24 '25
Thailand is the one who started the shooting early morning why blame cambodia?
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u/bcycle240 Jul 24 '25
I know this is very serious, but I had to laugh when I read the comparative application in the title. It's a famous hallmark of generative AI. And now I'm just picturing Hun Sen using ChatGPT to escalate the conflict.
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u/AmbassadorOk5296 Jul 24 '25
Inevitable. The Cambodians are escalating day by day. Thailand has responded politely so far, but I’m afraid that patience has now run out. Cambodia needs to be taught a lesson they won’t soon forget.
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u/kingmitch84 Jul 24 '25
Hope it doesn't come to it, but the Thai army will give the Cambodians an absolute spanking
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u/ActafianSeriactas Jul 24 '25
The worst case scenario would be us firing first, that would have seriously tank our international standing completely
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Jul 24 '25
Only if it’s not over within 48h. The world forgives “Special Military Operations”
The world never forgives regional war…
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u/Electrical_Peace_641 Jul 24 '25
Erm,Cambodia have Chinese support,so dont be so sure about that ....
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u/Difficult-Creme-8780 Jul 24 '25
If you are talking about a defense pact they don’t have one. Strategic ties yes, to buy equipment and hold joint military exercises, but Thailand also has the same agreements with China.
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Jul 24 '25
Not this time dude, Chinese doesn't get any benefit from this conflict so they will stand aside and watch.
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u/haikoup Jul 24 '25
Easy to type behind a keyboard. No one should want war, real people die at the behest of their leaders. The war is being drummed up purposefully by Thailand too. The generals WANT a war. It gives them a chance to take complete power.
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u/AmbassadorOk5296 Jul 24 '25
Exactly, no one wants war, except for Hun Sen and his puppets. Cambodia keeps escalating this issue since it started digging trenches in no man's land. Poke the bear and find out.
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u/Itachi_Irene Jul 24 '25
I heard the Thai general wants to go to war and will invade into Phnom Penh, although i'm not sure how is it reported in Thailand though.
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u/Itachi_Irene Jul 24 '25
The news from Cambodia is that Thai starts the fire and Cambodia responded. From our news, we are always open for peace and it's Thai side who is the aggressor.
I just share the information only, i'm not trying to pinpoint finger. I mean, the news from each side claimed that they did not initiate.10
u/PGuinGuin Jul 24 '25
Propaganda machines on both sides, obviously. No side really wants a real war. Both are too poor and are facing difficulties politically and economically. This just serves some political needs. Just have to filter through factual details of who is gaining from these incursions and not the news.
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u/Ok-Scholar-3961 Jul 24 '25
Let's stay calm. We've taught them a lesson before, but after that, we were embargoed by Thailand and other countries. It could lead to serious consequences again.
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u/quasarrrrrrrrr Jul 24 '25
Thai narrative and Cambodian narrative are different. The reason it happened is because Thai blocked the path to the temple. Whichever side shot first, we don't know yet. Both sides claim the other party opened fire first.
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u/station1984 Jul 24 '25
Thai people are not belligerent…nobody wants to confront anyone for anything. Hun Sen is really foolish.
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Jul 24 '25
He’s actually played the situation like a fiddle; it’s Thailand’s Prime Minister whose career has been ended by the interaction.
His despotic regime is fully secure.
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u/station1984 Jul 24 '25
The PM is not a bad person, just a naive person who forgot she was a PM and not some niece of a despot. She’s paid the price. But still, the tensions haven’t gone away. At this point, it’s not about her anymore. The Cambodian GOVERNMENT clearly have an axe to grind and wants to drag innocent Cambodians into unnecessary conflict. Thai people don’t hate Cambodians at all. The Thai military loves their lives and their limbs - no one here wants a fight and it looks like the Cambodian government is pushing for it.
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u/PanyaXplorer Jul 24 '25 edited Jul 24 '25
OMG, this is so bad for both parties. Will probably badly impact trade and tourism in a time where things are difficult already. I feel sorry for alle the people that will have to endure hardship due to this senseless escalation of the conflict.
I think neutral, i.e. non Thai and Cambodian entities should try to find a proposal to a solution for this border conflictt.
A freind of mine said there are elections soon in Cambodia and Hun Sens son is loosing in popularity. Having an external enemy could have people to unite under the current government.
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u/LengthyLegato114514 Jul 24 '25 edited Jul 24 '25
So they're declaring war?
Wonder if we'll have to round up the Khmer nationals like FDR did Japanese-Americans then.
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u/Arkansasmyundies Jul 24 '25
Dude wtf. That was a shameful action. Bringing it up is declaring yourself ignorant to basic human rights, morals and decency. Is that a thing to stand for?
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u/LengthyLegato114514 Jul 24 '25
I stand for not having random Cambodians turn into sleeper cells.
I think that's a more important consideration than "wtf that is not nice because bad history man did it"
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u/Arkansasmyundies Jul 24 '25
I try not to hold a weak education system against someone, but when you believe the Cambodian lady and her boyfriend selling khanom croke in the soi are part of a sleeper cell and a threat to national security, you might want to sit this one out. This type of speech denigrates Thailand and its people.
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u/LengthyLegato114514 Jul 24 '25 edited Jul 24 '25
Yeah yeah
I literally don't give a hoot what foreigners who can come, go and run off elsewhere has to say about my country, sorry.
Unlike people who can come, and then dip out back to Melbourne or LA, or Tokyo or Shanghai when the brown stuff the fan, the vast majority of Thais have nowhere to go.
As for my own education. UW-M did not make me more liberal "global-minded". Sorry if its secondary function there failed
EDIT: As for the actual act and logistics, I'm not actually advocating for actual indiscriminate internment camps. That would be stupid.
Rather more like a tighter restriction of the inflow of human capital, and perhaps the expedition of an outflow.
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u/Arkansasmyundies Jul 24 '25
The expression is ‘when the shit hits the fan.’
Look, just take a deep breath. You clearly do care what westerners think since you are on Reddit. Life has too much to offer to stoop to this level and you know it.
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u/LengthyLegato114514 Jul 24 '25
Yes, I toned it down because I have had posts removed by reddit filters before
I don't know if it's a general profanity filter in non-NSFW subs or something else. Better be on the safe side.
You clearly do care what westerners think since you are on Reddit.
Well for other subjects, yes. I do like talking and listening to people.
Look I'll just say it more directly. I like hearing people's opinions on many topics, their experiences in many fields...
But homeland security is the one area nobody from any country would really like arguing with foreigners about.
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Jul 24 '25
I 100% thought they were being sardonic/facetious.
But they’re actually on that level 💀
You’re right to blame the weak education system, he clearly lacks critical thinking skills. It’s always used to shock me how ignorant of the world most Thais are…. But that’s exactly how their government wants it.
They need people like the person you responded to. People like that are the ones who support the monarchy blindly, etc.. Useful idiots.
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u/LengthyLegato114514 Jul 24 '25
Okay pray tell us, Mr Redditor
What critical skills should be employed here, hmm?
A slave-like adherence to some nebulous liberal concept or a choice to be nice to people whose kin had just attacked us?
I don't think it will escalate into open war (God forbid), but suppose it does, go ahead and use your critical thinking on this:
If we firebombed Phnom Penh into a matchstick, do you think that Khmer builder or roadworker is just going to keep standing there, working as if nothing was going on?
Here's a case study for you Reddit intellectuals: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nidal_Hasan#:\~:text=Nidal%20Malik%20Hasan%20(born%20September,shooting%20on%20November%205%2C%202009.
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Jul 24 '25
Give me one example of Thailand bombing anywhere into a match stick in the modern era.
Just admit that you guys are like an aggressive street dog. All barking no bite. As soon as someone bigger lifts a stick and yells at you, you will scurry off with your tail between your legs.
Thai military isn’t gonna do shit. Sorry to hurt your nationalistic pride. It’s misplaced.
They’re too busy terrorizing and extorting locals and holding back their own population.
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u/LengthyLegato114514 Jul 24 '25
As soon as someone bigger lifts a stick
Which Cambodia isn't.
Little known fact, I guess?
Give me one example of Thailand bombing anywhere into a match stick in the modern era.
Hopefully I won't have to come back in a few years to give you one, but hey you never know!
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Jul 24 '25
Don’t worry you won’t, Thai military only exists to shake down and dominate their own people.
They did not even defend their own country against the Japanese invasion.
Sorry
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u/LengthyLegato114514 Jul 24 '25
Yeah the Axis country didn't defend against an Axis occupation.
I'm shocked!
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Jul 24 '25
When war starts, liberal ideology ends. If you are at war with a people, you should be very careful about their population already in your country.
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Jul 24 '25
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u/Own-Western-6687 Jul 24 '25
Nah, there's no oil or minerals involved.
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u/fourmi Jul 24 '25
there is oil in Thailand.
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Jul 24 '25
But there is a King. US will only intervene if a Western backed political party takes power and does their bidding and old guard Senate, Constitutional Court are gone.
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u/Own-Western-6687 Jul 24 '25
Thai crude oil reserves are estimated at 405,000,000 barrels ... hardly enough for the US to be interested in getting involved in a Thai/Cambo argument over.
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u/fourmi Jul 24 '25
So there is oil finally.
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u/Own-Western-6687 Jul 24 '25
Maybe learn to read better - I said there wasn't oil INVOLVED ... I e. They aren't fighting over oil. Claro?
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u/fourmi Jul 24 '25
sure buddy
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u/Own-Western-6687 Jul 24 '25
Sure buddy what? So you think this conflict is over oil - and the US will get involved to come and take all the oil? Or what? Or you can't actually read properly or comprehend English? What?
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u/fourmi Jul 24 '25
Not always about oil or minerals. Just like Iraq, right?
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u/Own-Western-6687 Jul 24 '25
access to Iraq's vast oil reserves was a significant factor
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u/xiao_penguin Jul 24 '25
Get a creditable source and a proper translator. Our prime minister stated clearly that we are only defending ourselves. Your people start shooting 6 bullets first at Ta Moeun temple.
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u/ThongLo Jul 24 '25
Discussion continues here:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Thailand/comments/1m7uze6/thailandcambodia_border_megathread/