The Hindu: Published on 2nd August 2025.
Why in News?
On July 24, Thai and Cambodian troops clashed along their 800-km-long border, leading to:
- 43 deaths (including civilians)
- Over 300,000 people displaced
A ceasefire was brokered on July 29 by ASEAN (led by Malaysia) with China's involvement and U.S. pressure looming in the background.
Cambodia demanded the release of 20 detained soldiers, highlighting continued tension despite the truce.
Background of the Conflict:
Historical Roots:
Dates back to the Khmer Empire (7th–14th centuries) that once ruled much of mainland Southeast Asia.
Post-empire decline, Cambodia was sandwiched between two rising threats — Siam (Thailand) and Annam (Vietnam).
In 1863, Cambodia became a French protectorate for survival.
Border Treaties:
French-Siamese treaties of 1904 and 1907 laid current border foundations — yet disputes persist, notably over:
Preah Vihear temple (ruled in Cambodia's favor by the ICJ)
Nearby areas like Ta Moan Thom, flashpoints in recent clashes.
Key Issues at Stake:
Cambodia’s Perspective:
Fear of boundary shrinkage, rooted in history.
Nationalist revival to:
Distract from cyber scam centers allegedly linked to Phnom Penh’s elite and China.
Boost Hun Manet’s legitimacy (son of former PM Hun Sen).
Threat from Thailand’s proposed casino legalization, potentially impacting Cambodia's gambling industry.
Thailand’s Perspective:
Feels victimized despite never being colonized.
Internal political fragility:
PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s controversial call with Hun Sen contributed to her removal.
Deepening military-monarchy dynamics.
Rise in nationalist sentiment tapping into historical pride and unresolved border issues.
Geopolitical Angle:
ASEAN mediation signals regional concern.
China’s indirect role (due to influence in Cambodia).
U.S. pressure (tariff threats) may have nudged ceasefire talks.
Vietnam's shadow looms due to Cambodia’s historic ties and current criticisms of Phnom Penh's pro-Hanoi tilt.
Rise in Nationalism:
In Cambodia:
Hun Sen leveraging nationalism to maintain power.
Accusations of being soft on Vietnam may drive anti-Thai positioning.
In Thailand:
Past incidents like the 2003 Angkor Wat remark by a Thai actress caused riots.
Deep national pride rooted in avoiding colonization, yet feeling insecure.
Strategic & Security Implications:
Fragile peace with potential for future flare-ups.
Possible proxy dynamics with foreign powers.
Militarization of border areas could lead to:
Humanitarian crises (refugees, displacement)
Risk of full-scale border war
Domestic Political Impact:
Cambodia:
Political tool for diverting attention from domestic issues (cybercrime, authoritarianism).
Dynastic continuity under scrutiny with Hun Sen’s son taking over.
Thailand:
Power struggle within civil-military-royalist establishment.
Ongoing lese majeste charges against Thaksin Shinawatra reflect domestic instability.
Underlying Themes:
Historical injustice and colonial legacies
Border ambiguity due to pre-modern territorial systems (Mandala model)
Use of heritage sites (like temples) for modern political leverage
Blending of nationalism, political legitimacy, and foreign policy
The Way Forward:
- Demarcation clarity via international arbitration or joint ASEAN framework.
- Cultural diplomacy to resolve heritage-linked tensions.
- Tackling cybercrime and illegal activities jointly to reduce mutual suspicion.
- Ensuring non-militarization of border zones to prevent humanitarian fallout.
