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Khmer Times, Opinion, 13 August 2025 (Link)
Every peace-loving Cambodian and Thai wake up to read news that could hurt our inner souls and blur our human compassion; news that continues to create hatred, anger, and resentment that eventually dominate our hearts and leave us with deep wounds, to the point that we wonder if our human hearts will ever heal anytime soon.
There are two key sets of questions related to peace and healing.
We constantly wonder when peace can reign and be assured between the two eternal neighbors? Will it be tomorrow? Next week, next month, or next year?
What remedies should heal the wounds of our hearts?
This is a mental exercise that peace-loving Cambodians and Thais practice unconsciously, trying to connect with their innermost souls.
Among many thoughts, here are four elements of thought that may cross their minds as they seek to guide their minds toward peace and healing.
1. Think about families
Cambodia has seven provinces bordering Thailand: Koh Kong, Pursat, Battambang, Pailin, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, and Preah Vihear, stretching over 800 kilometers.
With such a long border, it is inevitable that the two people share many things including “blood”. There are Khmers who are married to Thais and vice-versa. There are “mixed-blood” children who cannot separate or cut their flesh from purely Khmer or Thai.
These are silent groups who want nothing more than peace because if anything happens, they know they will have to kill some of their brothers and sisters, relatives or distant relatives who have mixed blood.
2. Think about friends