Introduction
the heart of Southeast Asia , Thailand and Cambodia -two neighboring nations with deep cultural ties and intertwined histories - have frequently found themselves at odds over territorial disputes. The most prominent and enduring issue between the two is the conflict surrounding the Preah Vihear Temple and the surrounding borderlands. While both nations enjoy diplomatic relations, tensions flare up occasionally, sometimes even resulting in military confrontations. In this blog post, we explore the origins, escalation , present status, damage caused, and what lies ahead for this geopolitical hotspot.
- Origins of the Thailand-Cambodia Dispute
The tension between Thailand and Cambodia dates back to the early 20th century. The root of the issue lies in colonial-era treaties and maps made when Cambodia was a French colony. The most disputed site - the Preah Vihear Temple—sits on a cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains along the Thailand-Cambodia border.
In 1904, France and Siam "now Thailand" agreed to define the border. A map was drawn in 1907 by French cartographers showing the temple in Cambodian territory, but Thailand later disputed this map’ s validity , claiming that the temple was on their side of the watershed line.
In 1954, after French troops left Cambodia, Thai forces occupied the Preah Vihear Temple. Cambodia brought the case to the International Court of Justice "ICJ"in 1959. in 1962, the ICJ ruled in favor of Cambodia, declaring that the temple was in Cambodian territory. Thailand reluctantly withdrew but left the surrounding areas ambiguous, which laid the groundwork for future conflict.
*****************************************
Escalation of Tensions
The border issue remained relatively dormant until the early 2000s. In 2008, tensions flared up again after UNESCO designated Preah Vihear a World Heritage Site under Cambodia’s application. Thailand protested the move, arguing that the land around the temple had not been demarcated and thus remained contested.
Between 2008 and 2011, there were several military skirmishes along the border. Hundreds of troops were deployed on both sides.
2008 - Armed standoff and occupation of the nearby Keo Sikha Kiri Svara pagoda.
2010 - Clashes led to several deaths and the displacement of villagers.
2011- The most violent confrontations took place in February and April, resulting in 20+ deaths and over 85,000 people being displaced from the region.
Each incident caused nationalist uproar in both countries, and anti-government protests in Thailand accused leadership of being too soft on Cambodia.
*****************************************
International Involvement and Court Rulings
The renewed violence in 2011 forced the involvement of ASEAN and the ICJ once again. In July 2011, the ICJ ordered both countries to withdraw troops and set up a demilitarized zone around the Preah Vihear Temple.
in 2013, the ICJ clarified its earlier 1962 ruling by stating that Cambodia had sovereignty not just over the temple, but also the adjacent land on the promontory. This was a blow to Thailand’s claims and caused political backlash...Though both nations agreed to abide by the ruling, implementation has been slow, and occasional tensions still arise, especially when domestic politics in either country are unstable.
*****************************************
Current Situation -2025
As of mid-2025, the situation has escalated again. Sources indicate that Cambodia has accused Thailand of constructing roads and placing border posts inside the disputed buffer zone, in violation of the ICJ ruling.
On the other hand, Thailand claims that Cambodian troops have moved too close to Thai villages and interfered with civilian life.
The new Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, son of longtime ruler Hun Sen, has taken a firmer stance on border protection. Meanwhile, Thailand under the leadership of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is facing nationalist pressure from opposition leaders to "reclaim Thai land.....Localized military build-up increased border patrols, and rhetoric in national media have increased fears of another round of violent clashes.
*****************************************
Why Is This Happening Again?
Several factors are contributing to the renewed tension.
- Unresolved Borders: Despite international rulings, the border near the temple is not physically demarcated.
- Nationalism: Political leaders in both countries are using nationalist sentiment to gain support, especially during economic downturns.
- Military Influence: Both armies have significant influence in their respective governments and benefit from border crises through increased budgets.
- Historical Resentment: Centuries of cultural rivalry and past conflicts have bred mistrust that resurfaces easily.
-Social Media and Disinformation: Viral posts and false claims about border encroachments often inflame public opinion.
*****************************************
Human and Economic Impact
Over the last two decades, thousands have suffered due to the Thailand-Cambodia conflict.
- Casualties: At least 50+ soldiers and civilians.
#thailand #cambodia #war #2025 #ThailandCambodiaConflict
#ThailandVsCambodia
