Hun Sen: The True Value of Peace

A Message Rooted in Sacrifice, Experience, and Deep Love for the Nation

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — As tensions arise along the border and artillery echoes across communities once filled with calm, Cambodia is reminded once again of an enduring truth spoken by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, the country’s most influential and longest-serving statesman.

His words carry not only wisdom but a lifetime of personal sacrifice:

“Only when there is war do we know the value of peace.”

This is not merely a sentence spoken for the moment—it is a profound reflection built from decades of survival, leadership, and an unbreakable commitment to safeguarding Cambodia’s peace.
It is a message that resonates deeply because it comes from a leader who has lived war, endured pain, and devoted his life to ensuring that future generations never again experience the tragedies he witnessed.

This expanded and respectful article explores:

His personal journey from wartime hardship to national leadership
The deep meaning behind his message
The contrast between war and peace
The human cost of conflict
Why Cambodia must protect peace at all costs

Every word honors the sacrifices and leadership of Samdech Techo Hun Sen—a leader whose experiences shaped a more peaceful Cambodia.

1. A Leader Forged by Conflict: Samdech Techo Hun Sen’s Lifelong Sacrifice for Peace

A Childhood and Youth Shaped by Turbulence

Born in 1952, Hun Sen grew up during a period when Cambodia was entering profound political change. At a young age, he witnessed the fears, uncertainties, and hardships that conflict brought to families across the nation.

As he matured, war became an unavoidable part of daily life. The youth of his generation were faced with heavy responsibilities—some defending villages, others seeking refuge. Hun Sen chose the path of resistance, joining the liberation movement to fight for his country’s survival.

A Symbol of Sacrifice: Losing His Left Eye in War

During a fierce battle, Hun Sen suffered a devastating injury that left him blind in his left eye. This was not just a personal loss—it became a national symbol of the sacrifices young Cambodians made for the country.

For many, this injury reflects:

His willingness to risk his life for Cambodia
His courage to confront danger directly
His deep understanding of the price of war

From this experience, he gained not only physical scars but also emotional strength and profound insight into the true meaning of peace.

Escaping Darkness and Returning With Purpose

In 1977, Hun Sen fled the horrors of Democratic Kampuchea and sought refuge along the border. But he did not remain away for long. Instead, he returned with a noble purpose: to help rebuild and reunify his homeland.

He later became one of the youngest foreign ministers in the world, and his leadership played a crucial role in opening doors for diplomatic negotiations and humanitarian assistance.

The Win-Win Policy: Bringing Lasting Peace in 1998

Perhaps Samdech Techo’s most defining contribution to Cambodia’s modern history is the Win-Win Policy, which permanently ended decades of civil war.

This policy succeeded because it was based on:

Compassion instead of revenge
National unity instead of division
Inclusive reconciliation instead of political exclusion

Its results transformed Cambodia:

National unity was achieved for the first time in nearly 30 years
All armed conflicts ceased
Former warring groups reintegrated peacefully
The nation entered a new era of development

Because of this achievement, Samdech Techo Hun Sen is widely regarded as a leader who brought complete peace and national reconciliation—a legacy that will shape Cambodia for generations.

2. War vs. Peace: Appreciating the Reality Behind Hun Sen’s Message

When Samdech Techo Hun Sen says, “Only when there is war do we know the value of peace,” he speaks not from theory but from memory.

He experienced firsthand the fear, hunger, insecurity, and chaos that war inflicts on society.

Cambodia During Conflict: Painful Memories That Must Never Return

Sleepless Nights Filled with Fear

During wartime, families lived with the constant fear of:

Explosions nearby
Sudden gunfire
Being separated in the middle of the night

Mothers clung to their children tightly, uncertain if they would survive until morning.

Dangerous Roads, Mines, and Ambushes

What are now peaceful highways and bustling village paths were once filled with deadly traps:

Landmines hidden beneath soil
Armed checkpoints
Ambush-prone routes

A simple trip to school, market, or field could cost a life.

Innocent People Caught in Crossfire

Farmers risked death while tending their fields. Students risked walking to school. Traders risked transporting goods.

War made no distinction between soldier and civilian—everyone suffered.

Families Uprooted and Lives Torn Apart

Millions were forced to abandon their homes, losing:

Their villages
Their loved ones
Their livelihoods
Their hopes and dreams

Camps along the Thai border became temporary homes for countless refugees hoping for safety.

Cambodia in Peace: The Gifts That History Never Had Before

Thanks to decades of peace, Cambodia has transformed dramatically.

Education Flourishes Across the Nation

Millions of students now attend school safely every day.

Peace has given children:

Classrooms instead of shelters
Teachers instead of fear
Books instead of gunfire
Dreams instead of trauma

A generation that once lived through war now raises a generation blessed by stability.

Infrastructure and Development Expand Rapidly

Roads, bridges, airports, hospitals, and entire cities have risen because peace made progress possible. Cambodia’s skyline has changed, and its economy has grown exponentially.

Safety and Mobility for All Citizens

Citizens can travel:

From Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville
From Siem Reap to Mondulkiri
To visit relatives, work, shop, pray, or study

Freedom of movement is one of the most precious gifts peace provides.

Economic Growth and Opportunity

Peace attracts investment, tourism, and business opportunities. Families can build homes, start businesses, and plan for the future—something impossible during wartime.

3. The Human Cost of Conflict: Why Hun Sen’s Warning Is Extremely Relevant Today

Recent border clashes have shown that even a short conflict can undo years of progress.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen’s message is not only historical—it is a reminder for today.

Schools Closed: Children Caught in Fear Again

Hundreds of schools in border areas have been temporarily closed due to shelling. Instead of learning in classrooms, children hear explosions and fear venturing outside.

Education—the backbone of future development—becomes an immediate victim of conflict.

Civilian Casualties: Innocent People Once Again at Risk

In just a few days, at least:

7 civilians have died
20 have been injured

These numbers reflect human lives—parents, children, grandparents—whose only desire was to live in peace.

Homes and Religious Places Damaged

Houses, pagodas, and community buildings have been struck by artillery, causing emotional and spiritual damage to families who have long cherished their peaceful lives.

Families Forced to Flee Once More

Young children, infants, and the elderly have been forced to evacuate, seeking temporary safety. These scenes remind Cambodia of the pain it worked so hard to escape.

4. Why Cambodia Must Defend Peace at Any Cost

Samdech Techo Hun Sen’s message is a crucial reminder that peace is fragile, and its value becomes painfully clear when disrupted.

Peace Is the Foundation of National Development

Without peace, Cambodia would not have:

Rapid economic growth
Stronger infrastructure
Expanding education
Rising tourism
National unity
Investor confidence

Everything achieved today stems from the peace established decades ago.

War Can Destroy in Days What Took Years to Build

Just one week of conflict can:

Damage schools
Destroy homes
Halt economic activity
Endanger lives
Create displacement

This is why peace must remain the highest national priority.

Every Citizen Has a Role in Protecting Peace

Peace is not just the responsibility of leaders or armed forces—it belongs to all Cambodians.

It requires:

Unity
Social harmony
Respect for institutions
Understanding of history
Rejection of violence

Samdech Techo Hun Sen’s words serve as a nationwide reminder: peace must be cherished, protected, and strengthened every day.

Cambodia Shifts to Counterattack: Samdech Techo Hun Sen Orders Forces to Strike Thai Aggressors

5. Conclusion: A Legacy of Peace for Future Generations

Samdech Techo Hun Sen’s profound statement, “Only when there is war do we know the value of peace,” is not just a reflection—it is a national reminder grounded in decades of conflict, sacrifice, and leadership.

Peace is more than the absence of war. It is:

A child attending school safely
A family living without fear
A farmer planting rice with confidence
A community praying without disruption
A nation building toward prosperity

Samdech Techo Hun Sen’s leadership helped guide Cambodia from war to peace, from division to unity, and from insecurity to hope.

Today, as border tensions rise, his message becomes even more urgent and meaningful. Cambodia must remember the past, hold tightly to the peace it has achieved, and remain united to ensure that future generations never again experience the pain of war.

READ MORE:

“Only When There Is War Do We Know the Value of Peace”: A Timeless Lesson from Samdech Techo Hun Sen