By: [Sovanna] | Phnom Penh – Bangkok | July 25, 2025
Tensions have once again erupted along the volatile Cambodia–Thailand border, with military buildups, diplomatic accusations, and rising fear among civilians living near the disputed areas. The situation is reminiscent of past clashes that claimed lives and disrupted regional peace, now sparking fears of a new conflict between the two ASEAN member states.
At the heart of the dispute lies the ancient Preah Vihear Temple, a 900-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site perched dramatically atop a mountain ridge along the northern Cambodian border, an area both nations have long claimed. While the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in 2013 that the temple belongs to Cambodia, disagreements over adjacent territory persist—and tensions have boiled over yet again.
🔺Military Movements and Heightened Alert
Early this morning, residents of Preah Vihear province in Cambodia and Sisaket province in Thailand reported unusual military activity. Eye-witnesses saw armored vehicles, supply trucks, and heavily armed soldiers moving closer to the demarcated border zone. Cambodian forces reportedly reinforced their positions with additional troops and light artillery, while Thai forces fortified nearby military outposts.
A Cambodian military source, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated:
“We have received intelligence that Thai forces have moved into a buffer area that violates the spirit of the 2011 ceasefire agreement. Our forces are on high alert but have been ordered to exercise restraint unless directly provoked.”
In response, Thailand’s Royal Army dismissed the accusations, asserting that its personnel were conducting routine patrols within Thai sovereign territory. In a statement released by Thailand’s Ministry of Defense, officials emphasized:
“Thailand respects international borders and operates strictly within its national boundaries. Any claims of incursion are categorically false.”
Despite the strong language from both capitals, no formal shots have been exchanged. However, local sources suggest that minor skirmishes occurred late last night near the Ta Moan Thom temple—another historic site that has been a point of friction in past years. Casualty reports remain unverified at this time.
🧭 A Long History of Dispute
The current flare-up is not an isolated incident but the latest chapter in a decades-long territorial conflict that dates back to the colonial era. In 1962, the ICJ ruled that the Preah Vihear Temple lay inside Cambodian territory. But the judgment did not clearly demarcate the surrounding land—approximately 4.6 square kilometers of rugged, forested highlands—leaving room for future disagreements.
From 2008 to 2011, armed clashes over this disputed land left over 40 dead and thousands displaced. Artillery shells damaged parts of the temple complex, drawing international condemnation and a temporary ceasefire.
Though an ICJ clarification in 2013 reaffirmed Cambodia’s sovereignty over the temple and ordered Thai troops to withdraw from the immediate vicinity, enforcement and interpretation of that ruling have remained inconsistent. The lack of clearly defined boundaries, compounded by nationalism and military posturing, continues to make the region a flashpoint for conflict.
🧨 A Crisis at the Wrong Time
The resurgence of border tensions comes at a delicate time for both countries.
In Cambodia, Prime Minister Hun Manet, who took office after his father Hun Sen’s decades-long rule, is facing pressure to project strength and protect national sovereignty while also maintaining Cambodia’s peaceful relations within ASEAN.
In Thailand, the new civilian-led coalition government under Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is navigating its own complex domestic agenda. Analysts suggest that rising nationalist rhetoric, especially in provinces bordering Cambodia, has pressured the Thai government to appear assertive in defending territorial claims.
Dr. Chariya Vuthy, a political analyst at the Cambodian Institute for Peace Studies, noted:
“This border tension is not only about land—it’s about image, legacy, and power. Both leaders are new, and neither wants to be seen as weak in the eyes of their public or the military.”
🏚️ Impact on Civilians: Evacuations and Uncertainty
As military activity intensifies, fear and anxiety have gripped local communities along the border. Cambodian authorities reported that more than 500 families in Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey provinces have been relocated to temporary shelters.
Mr. San Sitha, a farmer from Choam Khsant district near the border, told local media:
“We heard gunfire late at night and then saw soldiers moving toward the hills. My family had to leave our home in the middle of the night. We don’t know when we can go back.”
Thai villagers in Sisaket and Surin provinces have also been put on standby, with local schools closed and emergency preparedness drills conducted. Thai authorities insist that evacuation is not yet necessary but have stockpiled medical supplies and food in case of further escalation.
Human rights groups have expressed concern over the humanitarian impact of renewed conflict. The Cambodian Red Cross and Thai Red Cross have both activated border teams, and the United Nations has called for “maximum restraint and the immediate protection of civilians.”
🕊️ Diplomatic Reactions and Regional Pressure
In Phnom Penh and Bangkok, diplomatic channels remain open but strained. Cambodian Foreign Minister Sok Chenda Sophea has lodged a formal complaint with the Thai ambassador, urging Thailand to honor previous agreements and withdraw troops from the disputed area.
Meanwhile, Thailand’s Foreign Ministry has summoned Cambodia’s envoy to discuss “ongoing misinformation and to clarify misunderstandings on the ground.”
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has called for an emergency session to discuss the issue. Current ASEAN Chair, Indonesia, released a statement urging both nations to:
“Exercise the utmost restraint, engage in sincere dialogue, and resolve disputes through peaceful and legal mechanisms.”
The United Nations and UNESCO have also expressed concern. A UNESCO official warned that continued military activity could threaten the integrity of the Preah Vihear Temple—a cultural site of universal value.
🔍 The Role of the Military and Media Narratives
In both Cambodia and Thailand, military leaders are playing a central role in shaping public perception of the conflict. National television and social media in both countries have aired patriotic content, emphasizing historic claims and showing footage of troops guarding the border.
This media coverage has intensified nationalist sentiment, with hashtags like #ProtectPreahVihear trending in Cambodia and #DefendSovereignty gaining traction in Thailand.
Analysts warn that media-fueled nationalism could derail diplomatic efforts. “We’re seeing a dangerous rise in ultra-patriotic narratives that leave no room for compromise,” said Professor Somchai Virach of Chulalongkorn University. “That’s where diplomacy needs to step in—quickly and decisively.”
🚨 What Comes Next?
While the situation remains tense, both countries have pledged to avoid war and prioritize dialogue. A joint border committee is expected to meet within the week, though the exact date remains unclear. In the meantime, observers from ASEAN and potentially the ICJ may be called in to monitor troop movements.
Prime Minister Hun Manet addressed the nation in a televised speech today, saying:
“Cambodia desires peace. We respect our neighbors and the international community. But we will never surrender our land or our temple.”
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn responded shortly after:
“We want to resolve this diplomatically. But our sovereignty is non-negotiable.”
Whether diplomacy will succeed or whether the dispute will spiral into violence remains uncertain. The coming days will be critical not only for the fate of the people living along the border but for regional stability and ASEAN’s ability to manage internal conflicts.
🕯️ A Call for Peace
For now, the world watches as two proud nations stand on the edge of confrontation. The voices of local communities, religious leaders, educators, and ordinary citizens on both sides continue to call for peace.
As one Cambodian monk at the Preah Vihear pagoda put it:
“This temple has stood for a thousand years. Let us not destroy our shared history with bullets and bombs. Let us honor it with wisdom and peace.”
This is a developing story. Further updates will follow as more information becomes available.
