Note: Political Awareness never authorizes any candidate or their committees to publish its communication.

The recent Cambodian-Thai dispute has been rooted deep into the cultural aspect of political conflicts. It’s a geopolitical clash that has been influenced by religious and cultural motives. That branched from the colonial rule of the French. Who blurred the line that divides Cambodia from Thailand. Not only that, but holy shrines and temples are the key factors for this warfare. That is escalating into a wider reign of political friction and international instability. 

Despite the long-term context of the conflict. There are three phases that define the basic foundations of the discourse from the beginning of the historical clash until the present day.

Periodical Timeline of the events

• First Phase
  – (1907-2003)

The historical disagreement of borderline placements within a geographical map. That divides both countries started the ever-ending conflict of who gets what and where. Geological and geographical motives play an important part in this rivalry. As both claimed their authority and sovereignty on the lands that have been rich with resources. As well as the areas where the temples were placed. The French occupation of Cambodia led to an increasing geographical area of the country. Which was known to be part of French IndoChina. Those lands are still part of modern Cambodia and its the factor of dispute that is being fought on and about.        

– (1950’s-1960’s)

Cambodia achieved their independence in 1953 from France which led to the movement of forces and political claims from Thailand that was influenced by religious declaration of ownership of Preah Vihea. Cambodia took the case to the ICF who declared that the temple of Preah Vihea belongs to Cambodia. Which led to an eruption of claims and jurisdiction of the temple and the areas surrounding it due to its holiness and meaningful symbolism in both cultures and faith. 

• Second phase (2008-2013)

Temple of Preah Vihea was officially named as a UNESCO site in which the ICJ ordered Thai forces to withdraw from the area. However, the push and pull of forces and the clash between the two forces have lasted despite the rule of withdrawal. Violent acts took place and led to the downfall of troops from both sides. The aforesaid resulted in an immediate meeting by the UN Security Council who commanded both forces to immediately withdraw from the site with an emphasis on Thailand who demanded their right and sovereignty over the area.  Although troops have backed up. In 2009 there was a second clash near the temple area. Which led Cambodia to file another request to the ICJ about the offense from Thailand’s side. 

• Third Phase (2013-Present Day).

The border conflict which was based on a blurred line on the map escalated into a wider range of political clashes that took  religious motives and spirituality into considerable account to claim the area as their own. But recently, the motives have developed which erupted a national adversary across the region. The war took other shapes and forms as the context developed which started with economic sanctions, closure of borders, airstrikes and even landmine incidents. The cultural aspect of the situation continues to be the driving force of the conflict and the preservation of the Cambodian historical and religious sites which includes Preah Vihea.

A ceasefire was agreed through the diplomatic efforts of Malaysia back in July, but in December the attacks resumed and sovereignty over the site continues to be a justification from Thailand’s point of view, which gives them the power to use force as they claim to have rights over the temple. That also led to an enforced national influence in Cambodia which led people to want to protect their historical and religious areas due to the generational meaning and symbolism of the temple and the religious backdrop in the community.

Temple of Preah Vihea

The geopolitical conflict between Cambodia and Thailand is assembled deep into the religious and spiritual roots of preserving the national identity that is embedded in and through Preah Vihea. The temple’s location is a key factor of the dispute. As it centered geographically on the borderlines that connects Cambodia with Thailand. With both countries claiming the temple’s heritage belonging to them. The temple’s importance lies within multiple aspects of its holiness, but its historical roots and the religious characteristics is what makes the dispute more complex to reach a long-term settlement for.

Built in between the 19th-20th century. The temple symbolizes the lost lands that have been gone and forgotten due to the French occupation. It’s the home of many Hindu Gods, including Shiva who represent transformation and destruction. Something that that area and the temple itself have gone through and continues to go through the conflict as it extends and progresses. 

May 28 Skirmish 

The 28th of May 2025 was the beginning of an ever-lasting dispute. That requires international intervention to create and maintain peace. In spite of previous backlash concerning the context of the conflict that is heavily influenced by religious factors, present developments concerning the situation have led to the death of a Cambodia solider which resulted in a reciprocated firearm skirmish between both forces. Not only that, the context of the conflict extended into a wider geographical area. Preah Vihea have always been the nub of the issue. But now the dispute has been escalating into the realms of Ta Muen Thom Temple. Where a Cambodian drone has been spotted by Thai forces circling the area.  

Recent Developments

As a result of the failure of July’s ceasefire settlement. A new round of attacks went through that day and reached the climax of high potential changes throughout the region. That said, a new agreement has been created and put into immediate action back on the 27th of December. Through diplomatic efforts of the US, China, Malaysia and even ASEAN members. Who encourage for a de-escalation of the conflict and to resume a peaceful dialogue. That would put an end to the violence around and through the region.  The ceasefire held immediate actions and applications that had to be set on the same day. Both sides have agreed to stop violent attacks and targets on civilians and other regional geographical areas.

Not only that, but they also agreed on working together to limit cybercrimes that have been a key factor in political warfare. But despite the peaceful settlements the militarized aspect of the peaceful agreement will not conclude and close the case. In fact, both agreed that the troop will be deployed and placed with no effect of harming and acting violently towards the other.

Probabilities and expectations 

As the first ceasefire agreement failed in December and others that were short-lived. It’s important to link the diplomatic efforts with the political actions due to the high demand and influence of the core of the conflict. Which is based on religion and spirituality that is based on both of the country’s heritage. The cooperation and joining forces between both sides is a major step towards long-term settlement. However the geographical dispute has not been set and heavily addressed. And that causes more tension as time goes by. But it is with international efforts to manage and balance out the settlement through diplomacy. That will be the final step towards a long-term peace and stability in the area. To avoid every probability of a second round of war as possible.