Cambodia’s Land Is Not for Sale: Shame on David Hutt and The Diplomat

Digi IT August 03, 2025 0

 

Suggesting that Cambodia sell its sacred soil to Thailand is an insult to our sovereignty, a betrayal of journalistic ethics, and a stain on The Diplomat’s credibility

In the realm of commentary, there are ideas so outrageous, so immoral, that they deserve nothing less than outright condemnation. David Hutt’s recent article in The Diplomat, in which he flirts with the notion that Cambodia should “sell disputed land to Thailand,” belongs in this category of disgrace. To suggest that a sovereign nation could treat its sacred soil like a commodity for barter is not only offensive to the Cambodian people but a dangerous insult to international norms.

Cambodia’s Land Is Our Soul, Not a Bargaining Chip

Mr. Hutt’s proposal reeks of a colonial mentality—a mindset that views smaller nations as negotiable, their lands up for trade when convenient to the powerful or the opportunistic. He forgets, or chooses to ignore, that for Cambodians, our land is the blood of our ancestors and the soul of our nation. Every grain of soil in Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, and every corner of our motherland was watered by centuries of sacrifice and suffering.

History Teaches Us the Price of Losing Land

Perhaps Mr. Hutt has never read the history of Cambodia. He does not know the pain of watching territories lost piece by piece to foreign powers in times of weakness. He does not carry the memory of colonial partition, or the decades of struggle to protect our fragile borders. For him, the land is an asset on a balance sheet; for us, it is sacred inheritance. Selling land to Thailand would be like selling our own blood—and we will never allow it.

International Law and National Dignity Are Not for Sale

Under the United Nations Charter and international law, territorial integrity is inviolable. Cambodia has every right to defend its land and reject any notion of commodifying it. Mr. Hutt’s “solution” is not a solution—it is an insult to sovereignty and a threat to peace. If this is the sort of advice he wishes to give, he should offer it to his own motherland, not to Cambodia.

The Diplomat’s Failure of Journalistic Professionalism

Equally troubling is The Diplomat’s decision to publish such an irresponsible, inflammatory, and frankly foolish article. A credible media outlet is expected to uphold the standards of journalistic professionalism, respect for international law, and cultural sensitivity. By giving a platform to this offensive idea, The Diplomat not only disrespects the Cambodian people but also undermines its own credibility. Journalism is not about publishing any provocation for clicks; it is about truth, integrity, and respect for the fundamental principles of humanity and sovereignty.

The World Should Know: Cambodia Will Not Bend

Let the world hear it clearly: Cambodia’s territorial integrity is non-negotiable. We will defend it with every measure of law, diplomacy, and, if forced, with the same courage our ancestors showed against all invaders. Those who peddle ideas of selling our land betray a fundamental ignorance of what nationhood means.

Mr. Hutt’s article is more than misguided; it is a reminder that small nations must forever remain vigilant against those who see them as pawns. Cambodia’s message to the world is simple and unwavering: Our land is our life. It is not for sale. Not today. Not ever.

Read More: https://thediplomat.com/2025/07/why-doesnt-cambodia-offer-to-sell-disputed-land-to-thailand/
Roth Santepheap is a geopolitical analyst based in Phnom Penh. The views expressed are his own.

Credited: Khmer Times