Thailand–Cambodia Border Tension

11.12.2025

Thailand–Cambodia Border Tension

Context

Fresh hostilities have erupted along the Thailand–Cambodia border, characterized by the use of artillery, rockets, drones, and airstrikes. The renewed conflict has resulted in rising casualties among both military personnel and civilians, raising alarm over regional stability.

About the Conflict Nature of the Dispute:

• Undefined Boundary: The conflict centers on an 817-kilometer undemarcated frontier.
• Sovereignty Claims: Both nations assert sovereignty over specific stretches of land, particularly around ancient temple complexes and densely forested highlands.
• Root Cause: The disagreement stems from differing interpretations of colonial-era maps.

Historical Background Colonial Legacy (1907):

• The border was originally delineated by France (then the colonial protector of Cambodia) in 1907.
• Thailand (formerly Siam) has historically contested sections of this map, specifically areas involving high ground and cultural heritage sites.

Preah Vihear Temple Saga:

• 1962 ICJ Ruling: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) awarded the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple to Cambodia. However, Thailand continued to dispute the ownership of the 4.6 square kilometers of scrubland surrounding it.
• 2013 Clarification: The ICJ reaffirmed Cambodia's sovereignty over the promontory and the land adjacent to the temple, ordering Thailand to withdraw its forces. Bangkok has periodically questioned the practical scope of this judgment.

History of Violence:

• 2008–2011 Clashes: The region saw severe armed conflict, culminating in a deadly artillery exchange in 2011 near Preah Vihear and other temples. The fighting resulted in numerous deaths and the displacement of thousands of villagers.
• 2025 Escalation: Tensions spiked again following skirmishes in May 2025 that led to the death of a Thai soldier. This triggered strict border closures, trade bans, and the current military escalation.

Places and Areas Under Tension Preah Vihear Region:

• Strategic Flashpoint: The UNESCO World Heritage temple sits atop a cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains, making it a symbolic and strategic prize for both sides.
• Geography: The area includes significant natural features like the Preah Nimith Waterfall on the Mekong River, which serves as a major waterway in the province.

Affected Thai Provinces:

• Key Areas: Surin, Buri Ram, Sa Kaeo, Sisaket, and Trat.
• Impact: Residents in these border provinces face shelling and cross-border fire, leading to mass evacuations into temporary shelters.

Affected Cambodian Provinces:

• Key Areas: Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Pailin, and Koh Kong.
• Impact: Adjacent districts are suffering from infrastructure damage, internal displacement, and civilian casualties.

Conclusion

The resurgence of violence along the Thailand–Cambodia border highlights the volatility of unresolved territorial disputes in Southeast Asia. While international rulings have attempted to settle ownership, the implementation on the ground remains fragile, necessitating renewed diplomatic dialogue to prevent a wider regional conflict.