The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, centered mainly around disputed border areas, including the ancient Preah Vihear temple, has lasted since the 1950s. In recent days, tensions have erupted again, leading to open armed clashes, including air raids conducted by Thailand.
Historical background of the dispute
The border dispute between Thailand (formerly Siam) and Cambodia derives from colonial times. The boundary was set on the basis of the French-Siamian treaties of 1904 and 1907, which determined the dividing line along the watershed of the Dangrek Mountains. However, the French maps of that period included derogations, placing the Preah Vihear temple on the Cambodian side, which became a source of discord. Thailand argued that the temple, located on a cliff accessible more easily from the Thai side, should belong to it, while Cambodia emphasized its cultural ties to the Khmer Empire.
In 1954, after the French withdrew, Thai troops occupied Preah Vihear. Five years later, Cambodia referred the case to the International Court of Justice (ICT) in The Hague. In 1962, MTS ruled in favour of Cambodia, ordering Thailand to withdraw troops and return removed artifacts. The dispute went silent during the civil wars in Cambodia, but the border remained not fully established.
Key events and escalations
Konflikt odżył w 2008 roku, gdy Kambodża zgłosiła Preah Vihear do UNESCO jako obiekt dziedzictwa światowego. To wywołało protests w Tajlandii, gdzie sprawa stała się elementem wewnętrznej kryzysu politycznego. Doszło do zbrojnych starć, które rozszerzyły się na inne obszary, w tym świątynie Prasat Ta Muen Thom i Prasat Ta Krabey. Walki trwały do 2011 roku, powodując victims po obu stronach.
In 2013, MTS explained his 1962 judgment, confirming that the promontory around the temple belonged to Cambodia, but did not decide on surrounding areas. In addition, there are disputes about the continental shelf in the Gulf of Thailand, where both countries claim rights to natural resources. A Joint Border Commission was established in 1997, but progress is minimal.
Here is a map of the disputed border area:
Current escalation in 2025
Tensions have erupted again. The conflict intensified in May in the area of the Emerald Triangle, leading to open fights in July. On July 28, a truce was concluded, but it was broken on December 8, following the death of a Thai soldier in border clashes. Thailand accused Cambodia of mobilising heavy weapons and shelling Thai territory, leading to air raids into Cambodian positions. According to the Thai Defence Minister, the actions will continue until sovereignty is secured.
Z kolei Kambodża zaprzecza użyciu ciężkiej broni i oskarża Tajlandię o prowokacje oraz naruszenie rozejmu. Rząd kambodżański wezwał do rozwiązania sporu przez MTS i oskarżył sąsiada o ataki na siły kambodżańskie. Walki spowodowały death co najmniej jednego tajskiego żołnierza i czterech cywilów kambodżańskich, a tysiące osób uciekło z przygranicznych wiosek.
International Response and Perspectives
Międzynarodowa społeczność, w tym United States, wezwała do powstrzymania się od przemocy. Ambasada USA wydała ostrzeżenie przed podróżami w rejon granicy. Rozejm z lipca był negocjowany przy udziale administracji Trumpa, ale jego złamanie rodzi pytania o skuteczność takich inicjatyw. Premier Tajlandii Anutin Charnvirakul podkreślił, że jego kraj nie chce przemocy, ale nie zaprzeczył inicjowaniu konfliktu.
The conflict threatens to destabilise the region of Southeast Asia, affecting trade and security. Both sides call for dialogue, but without international mediation, escalation can deepen. The solution requires a clear delineation of the border and cooperation, which has been difficult so far due to nationalistic sentiments in both countries.
