I am a US attorney who has lived and worked in Cambodia and Thailand for over two decades.  I have witnessed political dissent and controversy on both sides of the borders.  But I’ve always seen the love and respect for each others’ countries dominate to overcome.

I am disheartened by the recent skirmishes and truly saddened by the unnecessary death of a Cambodian soldier who was a brother with ancestral ties to his brothers in Thailand.

I am an independent lawyer with affinity and indebtedness to both Cambodia and Thailand for hosting me for 27 years. My sincere thanks to both countries.

Notwithstanding the above, I want to comment on the current border disputes taking place between Thailand and Cambodia.

We all as a global society abide by international laws.  Cambodia respects and upholds:

1. Rule of Law Vs of Rule of Force — Cambodia chooses international law, Thailand chooses delay, why fear the ICJ if you are right?

2. Finality of the 1962 ICJ judgement — ICJ ruled in 1962-Preah Vihear belongs to Cambodia

3. Respect for treaties and borders-maps matter, treaties matter, borders matter. Cambodia respects them, so should everyone else.

4. Cambodia — a responsible global actor — Cambodia small in size but strong in principle. Cambodia turns to law; not war.

5. Protecting heritage — not provoking conflict — we defend our temples with law, not troops. Preserving Preah Vihear is preserving peace.

6. International solidarity — if one country can ignore the ICJ — any country can. Cambodia stands for justice — for all small nations.

For 27 years, I have called Cambodia and Thailand my home. I pray that the two will reconcile and adhere to the Rule of Law as adjudicated by the International Court of Justice.

Bernard Scott Bolls, Esq

Attorney at Law

SK & SCOTT LAW FIRM PC

Washington, D.C.