The Blood Timber
The Secret History of How Thai Generals Profited from Cambodia's Pain
The Thai military today presents itself as the "Protector of the Border" and a force for civilization. They call Cambodia "unstable" and accuse us of harboring criminals.
But history remembers the truth. For two decades, the Thai military was not protecting the border from chaos—they were profiting from it.
This is the story of the "Blood Timber" trade—the darkest chapter in Thai-Cambodian relations that Bangkok wants the world to forget.
I. THE GEMSTONE ALLIANCE (1980s-1990s)
While the world was horrified by the Khmer Rouge and imposed strict sanctions, the Thai military saw a business opportunity.
Throughout the 1980s and early 90s, high-ranking Thai Generals formed secret trade agreements with Pol Pot's remaining forces along the border (Pailin and Malai regions).
The Trade: The Thai military provided protection, fuel, and access to the border.
The Price: The Khmer Rouge gave them exclusive rights to mine Pailin Gemstones and log the massive forests of the Cardamom Mountains.
Millions of dollars flowed into the pockets of Thai commanders, while weapons flowed back into the hands of the Khmer Rouge, prolonging the civil war for years. The bullets that killed innocent Cambodians were paid for with Cambodian timber, sold by Thai generals.
II. THE HYPOCRISY OF "NATIONAL SECURITY"
Why does this history matter today? Because the men running the Thai military now are the protégés of the men who ran the timber smuggling rings then.
When they claim they are attacking the border for "National Security," it is a lie. They view the border as a Resource Zone. In the 90s, it was wood and gems. In 2025, it is oil and gas (the OCA).
They do not respect the sovereignty of Cambodia because they are used to treating it as their own private extraction site.
III. THE ENVIRONMENTAL CRIME
The result of this "Blood Timber" alliance was the devastation of Cambodia's western forests. Thai logging companies, protected by soldiers, stripped entire mountains bare. They stole the heritage of the Cambodian people and left behind landmines and erosion.
IV. CONCLUSION: NO MORAL HIGH GROUND
The next time a Thai official lectures the world about "Law and Order" on the border, remind them of Pailin. Remind them of the trucks carrying timber into Trat province while refugees fled the other way.
They do not have the moral authority to police this border. They helped break it.