On the Cambodia-Thailand Conflict

Conflict has recently flared up between Thailand and Cambodia, following the collapse of a ceasefire agreement signed two months earlier. 

• The agreement was facilitated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and supported by US President Donald Trump.

Background

• Historical Roots of the Dispute: The conflict traces back to colonial-era border treaties (1904 and 1907) between French Indochina (Cambodia) and Siam (Thailand).
  • Colonial powers used geographical features such as hills and rivers to define borders but failed to demarcate them accurately on the ground, often ignoring local realities.
• Preah Vihear Temple Dispute: The emotional core of the conflict is the 11th-century Hindu temple, Preah Vihear, dedicated to Lord Shiva and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • The temple is mapped under Cambodia, but the easiest access is from the Thai side; the Cambodian side requires a steep climb.
• ICJ Ruling: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that the temple belongs to Cambodia. 
  • But the surrounding 4.6 sq. km zone remains disputed, with landmines and military confrontations.
• Recent Escalation:
  • May 2025: Hostilities escalated after a Cambodian soldier was killed near Preah Vihear Temple.
  • July 2025: Fighting intensified with landmine explosions and clashes, resulting in multiple deaths and mass displacement.
  • November 2025: Thailand suspended the ceasefire after another landmine incident; Cambodia accused Thailand of air strikes.

Impact of the Conflict

• Flight of Investments: The hostilities have deterred investors and tourists, leading to a flight of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
• Undemocratic Credibility: The conflict undermines ASEAN’s credibility, especially as it already manages the Myanmar crisis, risking the perception of ASEAN as a “broken family.”

Way Forward

• Regional Leadership: Powers like Malaysia and Indonesia should act as honest brokers of peace.
• Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs): Measures such as joint patrolling and demilitarising the disputed 4.6 sq. km zone can help build trust and confidence.
• ASEAN Intervention: ASEAN must enforce its charter on peaceful dispute settlement and bring both countries to the negotiating table.

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Conclusion

The conflict is primarily driven by nationalism and high polarisation, rather than by territorial claims alone.

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