Thailand-Cambodia Border Clash Escalates Amid Long-Standing Dispute

A long-standing border dispute has once again erupted into violence between Thailand and Cambodia. The renewed clashes began on Thursday (July 18) morning with gunfire and rocket attacks reported in six border regions, according to local time.

Thai military sources confirmed that skirmishes continued into Friday across multiple locations near four border provinces. Thailand also reportedly conducted airstrikes targeting Cambodian territory.

So far, at least 14 people have been killed in Thailand and one in Cambodia, with many others injured. The ongoing conflict has forced thousands of residents in border areas to flee their homes in search of safety.

This marks the second major outbreak of violence between the Southeast Asian neighbors this year. In May, tensions flared after a Cambodian soldier was shot and killed in a border skirmish.

Origins of the Latest Tensions
The current round of violence stems from a dispute in May over control of a small section of the border. At the time, both Thai and Cambodian forces exchanged gunfire, each claiming to have acted in self-defense. Tensions escalated further after a landmine explosion injured several Thai soldiers.

Although both sides initially agreed to de-escalate, increased border restrictions, verbal confrontations, and mutual accusations complicated the situation. Thailand imposed strict regulations at the border, limiting crossings to students, medical patients, and emergency cases. Eventually, Thailand fully closed its border on Thursday.

In retaliation, Cambodia banned Thai films and television programs, and halted imports of fuel, gas, fruits, and vegetables from Thailand. Phnom Penh also suspended some international internet links and electricity supplies to Thailand.

A Dispute Rooted in History
Thailand and Cambodia share an 800-kilometer border, much of which has been contested for decades. The core of the dispute lies in a 1907 colonial-era map drawn during French rule that separated Cambodia from Thailand. Cambodia claims certain areas based on this map, which Thailand rejects.

The most contentious site is the nearly 1,000-year-old Preah Vihear temple. In 1962, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) awarded ownership of the temple area to Cambodia, sparking a deterioration in bilateral relations.

Violence flared again in 2011, leaving around 20 people dead and displacing thousands. Cambodia once more sought the ICJ’s intervention, and in 2013, the court ruled again in its favor. Cambodia has now approached the ICJ yet again, but Thailand has refused to recognize the court’s jurisdiction.

Rising Nationalism Fuels Tensions
Nationalist sentiments in both countries have further inflamed the situation. In Thailand, political turmoil intensified following the leak of a controversial phone call between then-Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen.

In the June call, Shinawatra referred to Hun Sen as “uncle” and criticized Thailand’s military leadership. Critics deemed the remarks disrespectful to Thailand’s sovereignty. The scandal led to her suspension from office on July 1.

Hun Sen had long been a close friend of Paetongtarn’s father, former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. However, their relationship reportedly soured over the ongoing border tensions.

Widespread protests and outrage followed the leaked audio. Subsequently, former Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai was appointed as interim Prime Minister.

Sources: AP News, Al Jazeera