Phnom Penh, January 19, 2026: It is not only engraved in the minds and remembered by all Cambodian people today, but the phrase “Thailand invades Cambodia” will also be recorded in Cambodian history for future generations to know and study. Furthermore, this word has spread internationally. United States President Donald Trump stated that “[Thais], they, started [the war] with Cambodia.”

Thailand committed aggression, but it does not want to be labeled as the aggressor. When asked how Thailand reacted to Cambodian media using the term “Thailand invades Cambodia,” Thailand’s Information Center replied on January 18, 2026, that it calls on all parties to use language that is constructive, non-provocative, and non-discriminatory. Although the response did not address the question directly, it indicated that Thailand does not want Cambodia to use the phrase “Thailand invades Cambodia.”

Thailand is afraid of the term “invades Cambodia” because it appears to have suddenly realized that no country in the world supports or stands beside an aggressor. However, Thailand cannot hide its acts of aggression against Cambodia, nor can it stop Cambodians from using this phrase. On social media, Cambodians urge the continued use of the term “Thailand invades Cambodia.”

Cambodia has abundant videos and photographs as evidence of Thailand’s aggression, showing widespread damage in Cambodian territory — including temples, ancient bridges, present-day bridges, roads, pagodas, hospitals, schools, buildings, houses, and farmland.

Further evidence proving Thailand invaded Cambodia is that Thai troops used fighter jets to drop bombs deep inside Cambodian territory, more than 100 kilometers from the border. Even after the agreement to halt fighting was in effect, Thai forces continued aggressive actions, including placing metal containers, installing barbed wire, using heavy machinery to destroy civilian homes, and occupying more than ten areas within Cambodian sovereignty.

“Thailand invades, Cambodia defends” is the phrase Cambodians use to inform the international community, from the first invasion to the second. Under international law, Thailand must be held responsible for the acts of aggression and the destruction on Cambodian territory.