Opinion

Thai-Cambodia Conflicts

Writer: Tan Sri Son

The Thai–Cambodia conflicts, particularly the recurring disputes over the Preah Vihear Temple and nearby border areas, are rooted in history, nationalism, and territorial pride.

Background:

The Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sits on a cliff along the Thai–Cambodian border.

In 1962, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that the temple belongs to Cambodia, but parts of the surrounding land remained contested.

Tensions escalated in the late 2000s, with military clashes from 2008–2011 resulting in casualties, displacement of villagers, and damage to cultural heritage.

Opinions on the conflict:

From Thailand’s perspective: Many Thais feel the ICJ’s ruling didn’t fairly address the surrounding land, and that Cambodia’s UNESCO listing of the temple in 2008 was a political move that inflamed national pride.

From Cambodia’s perspective: The ICJ decision settled the matter, and Thailand’s continued claims are seen as an encroachment on sovereignty.

Regional concern: ASEAN and neighboring countries worry such disputes undermine regional unity and could escalate if stoked by nationalism.

My take:

The conflict is as much about political leverage and national identity as it is about the land itself. Leaders in both countries have, at times, used the dispute to rally domestic support.

Militarily, neither side benefits from escalation — both depend on tourism and trade, which border clashes harm.

The most constructive path would be joint management of the temple and surrounding area, turning it into a symbol of shared heritage rather than division.