TENS of thousands of Cambodians gathered in Phnom Penh on Wednesday in a show of unity behind their government and armed forces, as tensions with neighbouring Thailand flare anew over disputed borderlands.
AP reported today that the latest discord erupted in May when Thai and Cambodian troops exchanged fire in a contested strip of border territory referred to as a “no man’s land” claimed by both sides. One Cambodian soldier was killed in the incident, which both countries have blamed on self-defence.
Although both governments pledged to de-escalate, relations have continued to sour through non-military retaliations. Thailand has imposed stricter controls on cross-border movement, restricting entry to Cambodian workers and barring casino-bound Thai tourists. In response, Cambodia has banned Thai television and films, halted the import of Thai agricultural products, and severed internet and power links supplied by Thailand.
Historical tensions and disputed maps
Cambodia and Thailand share an 800-kilometre land border that has long been the subject of contention. The latest dispute traces its roots to a 1907 colonial-era map drawn by the French to demarcate Cambodia’s territory from then-Siam. Cambodia maintains the map justifies its claims, but Thailand has repeatedly disputed its accuracy.
Earlier this year, in February, Cambodian soldiers and their families entered a centuries-old temple located in a contested zone and sang the Cambodian national anthem, prompting a standoff with Thai troops.
The most serious and enduring conflict has centred on the 1,000-year-old Preah Vihear temple, where sovereignty was awarded to Cambodia by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 1962. That ruling remains a point of contention in Thailand, which suffered domestic political fallout from the decision.
AP had cited that renewed clashes in 2011 led Cambodia to return to the ICJ, which reaffirmed its earlier decision in 2013. These legal proceedings inflamed nationalist sentiment in Thailand, where there remains considerable unease over international arbitration of border issues.
Cambodia returns to court, Thailand refuses to play
Following last month’s fatal clash, Cambodia has indicated it has once again brought the matter before the ICJ, this time involving other disputed areas beyond Preah Vihear.
Thailand, however, has rejected the ICJ’s jurisdiction in the matter. It insists the matter should be settled through a bilateral mechanism established in 2000—a joint technical committee responsible for surveying and demarcating the border.
Nevertheless, Cambodian officials have ruled out further bilateral discussions, citing a lack of progress and maintaining that only the international court can resolve the matter with finality.
Beyond the question of territorial sovereignty, analysts say the friction is rooted in longstanding cultural and historical grievances. Centuries ago, both countries were powerful empires in frequent conflict.
Modern-day resentment has been further shaped by Cambodia’s slower development trajectory, due in part to its colonial history and the devastating Khmer Rouge regime.
The rivalry has also manifested in cultural disputes—ranging from boxing and dance traditions to national dress and cuisine—with both sides accusing each other of appropriation.
As tensions continue to simmer, both governments appear to be playing to nationalist audiences at home, raising concerns that further provocations—intentional or otherwise—could rekindle broader conflict. - June 18, 2025
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