While the two countries accuse each other of having triggered hostilities. The situation is getting worse day by day, raising fears of a major regional crisis.
A disputed border for over a century
On July 24, 2025, violent fights broke out on the border between Thailand and Cambodia. At least 19 dead have been identified by the Thai authorities, including a majority of civilians from three border provinces. These events are part of a deeply rooted territorial dispute, mainly around of the temple of Preah Vihear. A site of 11th century that the two nations claim.
This disagreement dates back to the end of the 19th centurywhen the borders of the region were re-deserved under The influence of French colonization. In 1962, the International Court of Justice officially attributed the temple to Cambodia. However, this decision has never been fully accepted in Thailand where the question remains a symbol of national sovereignty. Cambodia attempt to register the temple at UNESCO World Heritage In 2008 rekindled the quarrel leading to clashes for several years.
In recent weeks, The tensions were suddenly intensified. Since the death of a Cambodian soldier in May, during a border -hooking, the two countries have strengthened their military presence. Anti -personnel mines would have been discovered on the Thai side, injuring two soldiers. This led Bangkok to expel the Cambodian ambassador. In response, Phnom Penh has reduced his diplomatic relations with Thailand “” at the lowest level“.
On July 24, according to the Thai army, Cambodia would have pulled rockets in a border village and attacked a civilian hospital. Bangkok reacted by leading targeted air strikes against Cambodian military infrastructure. These hostilities quickly gained momentumforcing the two governments to evacuate thousands of civilians. The two nations have notably made the decision to close their respective borders.
Political rivalries and power games
If the territorial question remains the starting point of the conflictit is now largely fueled by internal political issues. In Thailandthe coalition government led by Phumtham Wechayachai is weakened by internal divisions and a loss of legitimacy.
On the Cambodian sidethe young Prime Minister Hun Manet tries to assert himself in a delicate political context. Some believe that his father instrumentalizes the conflict to strengthen his own political heritage and divert attention from internal difficulties.
Cambodia has also imposed economic restrictions on its neighbor. Importing fruits, vegetables, electricity and internet services from Thailand has been suspended. This economic war has helped to further deteriorate relations between the two countries.
While fighting continues, Calls in calm are multiplying. President Donald Trump said he had a ” constructive conversation With Hun Manet. Indeed, the latter affirms that the Two games want a quick ceasefire. However, on the ground, the clashes continue. On July 26, the fighting extended to the province of Trat. More than 100 kilometers from the initial conflict areas. It is In total, more than 130,000 people who have already been moved.
Is peace possible?
After five days of violencea diplomatic outcome finally seems to be emerging. At the end of talks in Malaysiathe two countries have agreed of a ceasefire ” unconditional »From Monday midnight. This agreement could be the “” Back to normal“” long -awaited in particular in bilateral relations. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim highlights the need for rapid appeasement after days of intensive fighting.
It remains to be seen if this ceasefire will last in the long term. If the stopping of hostilities is respected, it could open the way to a resumption of negotiations on the geopolitical interests which oppose the two nations. For now, Priority remains the stabilization of the border area and the return of displaced civilians.
