Date: August 5, 2025
To: The Honorable Governor Josh Stein
North Carolina Executive Mansion
200 N Blount St
Raleigh, NC 2760
Subject: Sharing Our Cambodian Americans in North Carolina Concern Regarding the Ongoing Cambodia–Thailand Border Conflict
Dear Governor Stein,
On behalf of the Cambodian American community in North Carolina, we express our gratitude for your recognition of April 2025 as Cambodian Heritage Month, which affirmed our community’s contributions to the cultural fabric of this great state. We write today not to request policy action, as we understand that foreign affairs lie beyond the direct scope of your office, but rather as a courtesy and heartfelt outreach to inform you of an issue of deep concern to us as North Carolinians and American citizens with strong familial and cultural ties to Cambodia.
In recent months, a violent escalation along the Cambodia–Thailand border has led to significant loss of life and displacement. Reports from credible sources indicate that civilian areas have been shelled, and aggressive military actions have violated previously agreed-upon international borders, as established by treaties and affirmed by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Cambodia, a nation still healing from decades of war, has consistently called for peaceful, internationally mediated solutions while facing disproportionate military aggression.
As a proud and peace-seeking diaspora rooted in North Carolina, we are deeply concerned about the humanitarian toll and destabilizing effects of the conflict. Many of us still have close family members in the affected areas, and these recent developments weigh heavily on our hearts.
We are engaging with our U.S. Senators and federal representatives to encourage greater diplomatic attention, international monitoring, and support for a permanent ceasefire under international law. While we recognize this matter is beyond the jurisdiction of the state government, we believe it is important that you are aware of the situation, especially in light of your recent outreach to our community and your longstanding leadership on issues of justice and human dignity.
We respectfully invite your office to remain informed about these developments and to continue uplifting the voices and concerns of Cambodian Americans in North Carolina. Our community deeply values peace, accountability, and international cooperation, and we are hopeful that leaders at all levels will echo the importance of these principles.
We thank you again for your recognition of our heritage and your commitment to all communities that call North Carolina home. Should your office wish to speak further with members of our community or receive updates, we would be honored to stay in communication.
With appreciation and respect,
| Seyha Thach, President Cambodian Association of North Carolina | Dara Yin, Chair Cambodian Association of North Carolina |
The Cambodian American Community of North Carolina
Contact: cambodianassociation.nc@gmail.com | (336) 250-0283
Website: https://cambodianassociationnc.org
