Explainer: The Current Cambodian and Thailand Border Dispute Explained in Simple Terms. The Cambodia-Thailand border dispute remains a complex issue driven by history, nationalism, and unresolved territorial claims. While both sides express a desire for peace, the risk of further clashes persists due to the sensitive nature of the disputed areas.- The Pattaya News

Explainer: The Current Cambodian and Thailand Border Dispute Explained in Simple Terms

Adam JuddSunday, 8 June 2025, 15:22

The Cambodia-Thailand border dispute is a long-standing issue rooted in historical territorial claims, colonial-era mapping, and nationalist sentiments. The conflict, centered around areas like the Preah Vihear Temple and other border regions, has flared up periodically, with the most recent escalation occurring in May and June of 2025. This article provides a clear and factual overview of the dispute's history, what triggered the latest tensions, and the situation as of June 8, 2025, for readers unfamiliar with the topic.

Historical Background

The Cambodia-Thailand border dispute traces back over a century, primarily tied to the 817-kilometer border established through treaties between France (Cambodia's former colonial power) and Siam (modern-day Thailand) from 1867 to 1907. A key issue stems from a 1907 French-drawn map that Cambodia uses to claim territories, including the area around the Preah Vihear Temple, while Thailand contests its accuracy, arguing the border should follow natural watershed lines.

The Preah Vihear Temple, an 11th-century Khmer Hindu temple in the Dângrêk Mountains, is at the heart of the dispute. Built during the Khmer Empire, which once controlled parts of modern Thailand and Cambodia, the temple's ownership has been contested due to its cultural and historical significance. In 1962, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that the temple and a small surrounding area belong to Cambodia, a decision Thailand disagreed with and continues to dispute regarding adjacent lands. The ICJ reaffirmed this in 2013, ordering Thai troops to withdraw from the area. However, believing the ICJ is biased to Cambodia, due to the France involvement, Thailand has essentially not recognized their authority or jurisdiction since 1960.

Other disputed areas include the Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Toch, and Ta Krabei temples (called Ta Muan Thom, Ta Muan Toch, and Ta Kwai in Thailand) in Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey province and Thailand's Surin province, as well as the Emerald Triangle (Mombei area) near the borders of Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos, and Koh Kood South of Pattaya. These sites fuel nationalist tensions due to their historical and cultural importance.

Tensions escalated significantly in 2008 when Cambodia successfully registered Preah Vihear as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, prompting Thai protests and military buildup. Between 2008 and 2011, clashes in the region killed around 40 people, including civilians, with a notable weeklong artillery exchange in 2011. Despite a 2000 Memorandum of Understanding establishing a Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) to resolve border issues peacefully, progress has been slow, with only 13 of 24 border segments demarcated as of 2022.

What Triggered the Latest Conflict?

The current escalation began on May 28, 2025, when a brief firefight broke out near Morokot village in Cambodia's Preah Vihear province (known as the Chong Bok area in Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani province). A Cambodian soldier was killed, and both sides accused the other of initiating the clash. Cambodia claimed Thai forces fired first on a Cambodian patrol, while Thailand stated that Cambodian soldiers entered a disputed area, prompting Thai troops to respond after failed negotiations.

This incident followed earlier tensions in February 2025, when Cambodian troops and their families entered the Ta Moan Thom temple, sang the Cambodian national anthem, and clashed verbally with Thai forces. Additionally, Thai sources reported that Cambodian soldiers burned a Thai-built pavilion in the Chong Bok area in March 2025, further escalating friction. These events, combined with ongoing disagreements over undemarcated border areas, set the stage for the May clash.

Current Situation (June 8, 2025)

As of June 8, 2025, the situation remains tense but has not escalated into large-scale conflict. Both countries have reinforced their military presence along the disputed border, with Thailand citing "worrisome" signs of Cambodian military buildup. The Thai military has stated it is prepared for a "high-level operation" to defend its sovereignty, while Cambodia stresses its defensive stance and commitment to international law.

Diplomatic efforts are ongoing. On May 29, 2025, the army chiefs of both nations—Cambodia's Mao Sophan and Thailand's General Pana Claewplodtook—met at a border checkpoint in Surin province to de-escalate tensions. Both sides agreed to pursue dialogue through the JBC, with a meeting scheduled for June 14, 2025. However, Cambodia has announced it will exclude four disputed areas (Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Toch, Ta Krabei, and the Emerald Triangle) from JBC talks.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has called for calm and respect for international legal frameworks, while Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has expressed a commitment to peaceful resolution despite domestic pressures from nationalist groups.

On June 7, 2025, Thailand closed two border crossings to tourists as a safety measure, tightened hours at six others, and banned six-wheeled vehicles at some checkpoints, though trade and worker crossings remain unaffected. Social media posts reflect heightened nationalist sentiments, with images of military exercises circulating, but both governments continue to pledge peaceful resolutions.

Key Points to Understand

• Historical Context: The dispute originates from colonial-era mapping and competing claims over culturally significant sites like the Preah Vihear Temple, awarded to Cambodia by the ICJ in 1962 and 2013, though Thailand disputes surrounding areas.

• Recent Trigger: A May 28, 2025, clash in the Chong Bok/Morokot village area, resulting in a Cambodian soldier's death, reignited tensions, fueled by earlier incidents like the February 2025 Ta Moan Thom event.

• Current Status: Both nations are reinforcing troops but engaging in diplomatic talks, with a JBC meeting planned for June 14. Cambodia seeks ICJ intervention, while Thailand favors bilateral solutions, and border crossings face restrictions.

The Cambodia-Thailand border dispute remains a complex issue driven by history, nationalism, and unresolved territorial claims. While both sides express a desire for peace, the risk of further clashes persists due to the sensitive nature of the disputed areas.