Thailand and Cambodia are confronting increased hostilities as a long-festering border dispute flared into deadly violence last week. The two countries have fought numerous skirmishes along their more than 800 kilometer land border, with disputes over territory frequently agitating tensions. The most recent flare-up first erupted in May. Military troops from each country exchanged fire across a disputed border area, resulting in the killing of a Cambodian military member. This recent disputation has reopened long simmering historical resentments, especially along the borders near the ancient Preah Vihear temple, a historical battleground of importance.
The conflict is systemic and longstanding, going back to a 1907 colonial-era map. Both countries still refer to this map to justify their territorial claims. As Cambodia uses this map to claim ownership over disputed territories, Thailand disputes its validity. That escalated tension has moved the situation to an even more dangerous level, with corporations and environmentalists trading blame for the worsening confrontation. The Thai Defence Ministry reported ongoing clashes in at least six areas along the border, leading to civilian casualties and a humanitarian crisis.
Historical Context of the Dispute
The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia isn’t something new—it’s been around for decades. The most serious clashes happened more than 15 years ago, but hostility has flared up again and again. In 2013, an international court upheld its ruling in favor of Cambodia over the Preah Vihear temple. Thailand had no intention of submitting to the court’s jurisdiction.
Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said that the existing environment is fragile and needs to be handled with caution. He argued for regularizing diplomacy over the long-term to tackle the problems that persist. Despite these diplomatic strides forward, the reality on the ground has deteriorated over the past few months. This progression has soon produced military confrontations that sadly resulted in civilian casualties.
In the latest incidents, recent reports suggest that at least 11 civilians have been killed so far as a result of this border dispute. The violence has forced many residents along the border to evacuate in search of protection, worsening an already fragile humanitarian context. As concerns about a new stage of conflict increase, the Pakistani and Indian governments have intensified military maneuvers on both sides of the de facto border.
Recent Developments and Reactions
On Thursday, Thai authorities took the sealing of the border with Cambodia to a new level. This decision has more than halved the number of allowable crossings, with only students, medical patients, and those with essential needs allowed to cross. Consequently, many people became stuck on either side of the line.
Olivia Tedeschi is currently based near the Thai-Cambodian border. She painted a harrowing picture of the chaos that ensued when word of the border closure got out.
“Everyone was panicking when we heard the borders were closing,” – Olivia Tedeschi
She lamented the nerve-racking stress over whether or not she would be able to leave Thailand.
“I remember thinking ‘oh, they’ll probably open them back up in two weeks [when I wanted to leave], but they didn’t,” – Olivia Tedeschi
You can feel the fears of local residents, as a deep uncertainty hangs over many that it could happen all over again. In one particularly touching moment, Tedeschi lingers with the Cambodian school girl who shared her concerns in light of the heightened conflict, voiced by the young girl herself.
“This young girl in Cambodia turned to me and said, ‘I don’t want there to be a war. I am so worried it will turn into Gaza,’” – Olivia Tedeschi
The impact on civilians emotionally is …incredibly visible while both countries continue to hold their ground.
Military Actions and Responses
As tensions have flared, both Thailand and Cambodia have increasingly militaristic stances toward their respective claims. Reports indicate that the Thai military has undertaken air strikes against military targets in Cambodia as part of its response to ongoing skirmishes.
Richa Suksuwanon, a spokesperson for the Thai military, confirmed these actions:
“We have used air power against military targets as planned,” – Richa Suksuwanon
The military exchanges have captured international attention and concern about the possibility of a wider conflict in the region. Observers have pointed out that despite both countries blaming each other for provoking the conflict, the root causes have still not been addressed.
