Thailand and Cambodia have a 60-year old border dispute. This weekend, they achieved a major breakthrough for peace following a cycle of violent protests and clashes. The warring nations have agreed to start negotiating a ceasefire after recent clashes killed dozens on both sides. The dire circumstances reached a tipping point in the past few weeks, gaining worldwide attention and forcing a global intervention.
For nearly 40 years, Thailand and Cambodia have squabbled over undemarcated points along their 817-kilometer long land border. Central to this conflict are the sacred Hindu temples of Ta Moan Thom and the 11th-century Preah Vihear. The dispute attracted international attention as the International Court of Justice awarded Preah Vihear to Cambodia in 1962. By 2008, when Cambodia sought to have the temple designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, tensions boiled over. With this strategic shift, military hostilities dramatically escalated, resulting in 15 fatalities since and counting.
In the latest fighting, Thailand has confirmed losing seven soldiers as well as 13 civilians. Additionally, Cambodia, at the time, had confirmed five of its soldiers along with eight Cambodian civilians killed. These skirmishes flared up after the killing of a Cambodian soldier in late May, sparking accusations from Cambodia of a “deliberate, unprovoked, and unlawful military attack” by Thailand.
Recent Escalation
The current spate of violence started on Saturday, July 30 with attacks concentrated in Trat Province, Thailand and Pursat Province, Cambodia. This newly created front represented a turning point in the fighting zone, over 100 kilometers from the previous frontlines of conflict. The ongoing battle has spurred new fears about regional security and the humanitarian toll the conflict will take on local people.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is making all the right moves to mediate in the conflict. Now as chair of the ASEAN regional bloc, he is leading efforts to help resolve it. He has promised to do everything he can to bring attention to the rehearsefire proposal. This effort has already gotten buy-in from Cambodian leadership and Thai authorities.
“Both Parties are looking for an immediate Ceasefire and Peace,” – Mr. Trump
U.S. President Donald Trump has been very hands on in courting the leaders of each country. As the parliamentary facilitator, he has moved the dialogue in a constructive direction to promptly end the conflict. Trump declared both parties had agreed to meet lo these many miles away and hammer out a ceasefire.
Diplomatic Efforts
After Trump intervened, Thailand’s acting prime minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, expressed gratitude on behalf of his country for the U.S. president’s actions. He stated that Thailand “agrees in principle to have a ceasefire in place” but emphasized the need for sincere intentions from Cambodia.
“We are prepared to convene bilateral dialogue as soon as possible to bring forth measures and procedures for the ceasefire and the eventual peaceful resolution of the conflict,” Wechayachai added, signaling Thailand’s willingness to negotiate.
Cambodia is in favor of the ceasefire initiative currently launched by Malaysia. It’s prepared to test the waters of diplomatic engagement. This willingness represents a significant departure from past positions, when it appeared that both countries were dug in to their mutually opposing positions.
“When all is done, and Peace is at hand, I look forward to concluding our Trading Agreements with both!” – Mr. Trump
The likely prospect of renewed trade discussions should be enough of an encouragement for both countries to work towards normalization of relations.
The Path Ahead
Tensions are beginning to thaw. In this regard, all eyes are on Thailand and Cambodia to see whether they will be able to hammer out their disputes in amicable discussions. The International Court of Justice has a divisive role in the dispute settlement process. Cambodia has been pushing for its inclusion, but Thailand has favored bilateral discussions and has consistently denied this request in the past.
The international community is following closely as the story continues to develop. The prospects for peace would have a profound effect on the wider immediate border region. Second, it has extensive implications for wider regional stability and peace in the Southeast Asian context.
