thailand cambodia border dispute

The Thailand–Cambodia border dispute has erupted into one of the most intense confrontations in recent Southeast Asian history, with deadly clashes, airstrikes, and a full diplomatic breakdown.

🧨 What Sparked the Conflict

  • The latest escalation began near the Ta Muen Thom temple, a contested site along the border of Thailand’s Surin province and Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province.

  • A landmine explosion injured Thai soldiers, prompting Thailand to expel Cambodia’s ambassador. Cambodia retaliated by downgrading diplomatic ties and recalling its own diplomats.

  • On July 24, Thai F-16 jets bombed Cambodian targets, while Cambodia launched BM-21 rockets and artillery into Thai territory, killing at least nine civilians.

📜 Historical Roots

  • The dispute dates back to a 1907 French colonial map, which Cambodia uses to claim territory around ancient temples like Preah Vihear. Thailand argues the map is inaccurate.

  • The International Court of Justice (ICJ) awarded the temple to Cambodia in 1962 and reaffirmed the ruling in 2013, but Thailand disputes surrounding areas.

⚖️ Political Fallout

  • Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended over leaked calls suggesting softness toward Cambodia, triggering protests and weakening her coalition.

  • Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet has requested an urgent UN Security Council meeting, calling Thailand’s actions “unprovoked military aggression”.

🚫 Current Status

  • All border crossings are sealed.

  • Civilians have been evacuated from six provinces, and both sides are bracing for further escalation.

  • Cambodia has banned Thai imports and media, while Thailand has restricted crossings and threatened to cut power and internet links.


















 

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