Why Thailand And Cambodia Are Fighting in 2025: Preah Vihear Temple Dispute Explained

Defence Watcher

Following a brief skirmish on the Cambodia–Thailand border on 28 May 2025, the territorial dispute between the two countries reignited, escalating into a deterioration of relations and ultimately into a direct armed conflict, which began on 24 July 2025. The dispute originates with the Franco-Siamese treaty of 1907 between the Kingdom of Siam (now Thailand) and the French Third Republic, the latter of which ruled over French Indochina (which included today's Cambodia). After Cambodian independence, the disputed Preah Vihear Temple was awarded to Cambodia by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 1962, but it and other disputed border areas remained contested. Nationalist sentiments in both countries have fueled tensions. Between 2008 and 2011, skirmishes between the two led to casualties on both sides. On 13 February 2025, Thai soldiers prevented Cambodian tourists from singing the Cambodian national anthem at the disputed Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple. On 28 May, Cambodian and Thai soldiers briefly exchanged fire with each other, resulting in the death of one Cambodian soldier. Attempts to de-escalate failed, with continued tensions leading to border checkpoint closures. Discussions between the Cambodian and Thai militaries were held on 29 May. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet responded to the 28 May incident by seeking a ruling from the ICJ, saying that he did not want to see a conflict with Thailand. Phumtham Wechayachai, Thailand's acting prime minister, said that neither side wanted to escalate the conflict and that it had been resolved. On 23 July, a Thai soldier stepped on a landmine in the Nam Yuen district of Ubon Ratchathani, resulting in him losing a leg. The following day, direct armed conflict broke out between the two nations, with both Cambodia and Thailand claiming to have acted in self-defense.

Transcript

00:00In July 2025, tensions in Southeast Asia flared dramatically as conflict erupted between Thailand

00:14and Cambodia. What began as a long-standing border dispute has escalated into an armed

00:20confrontation, drawing international attention and raising concerns about regional stability.

00:26In this video, we'll explore the historical roots of the conflict, the military capabilities of both

00:34countries, and the most recent developments in this ongoing war. The dispute between Thailand

00:40and Cambodia is deeply rooted in history, going back centuries. One of the most prominent flashpoints

00:47has been the Preya Vaheer Temple, an ancient Hindu site perched atop a cliff in the Dangrek Mountains.

00:54Although the International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that the temple belonged to Cambodia,

01:01Thailand has long contested this, especially the surrounding land that was not clearly demarcated.

01:10Tensions reignited in the early 2000s when both countries stationed troops near the area,

01:16leading to occasional skirmishes between 2008 and 2011. Despite several ceasefire agreements and

01:24diplomatic efforts, nationalist sentiments and unclear borders kept the fire simmering. The creation of

01:32new infrastructure, military roads, and economic investments near disputed areas further complicated

01:39the situation. By 2025, with both countries experiencing political shifts and increased military assertiveness,

01:47even minor incidents had the potential to spiral. A recent military patrol clash near the disputed border

01:55triggered the latest escalation, and within days, artillery shelling and troop movements signaled a

02:02significant conflict. When comparing the military strength of Thailand and Cambodia, there's a clear

02:09disparity in size, budget, and capability. Thailand, with over 360,000 active personnel, backed by a defense

02:20budget exceeding $7 billion annually. The Royal Thai Armed Forces operate modern equipment, including F-16 and

02:29Gripen fighter jets, T-84 tanks, and Type 053 frigates. Thai Army also frequently engages in joint exercises with the

02:39United States and other ASEAN countries. In contrast, Cambodia's military is significantly smaller, with

02:47approximately 130,000 active personnel and a budget under $1 billion USD. Its air force is minimal, relying on

02:57an aging Chinese and Russian aircraft. Its ground forces are experienced in guerrilla warfare tactics, but lack the

03:05technological edge. However, in recent years, Cambodia has strengthened ties with China, receiving aid, weapons, and

03:14training that have modestly improved its capabilities. The first major clash occurred on July 5, with both sides exchanging fire

03:25in the disputed zone. Reports suggest dozens of casualties and hundreds of civilians fleeing nearby villages.

03:33The Cambodian government accused Thailand of crossing into its territory under the pretext of clearing illegal

03:41structures, while Thailand claimed it was responding to provocations. Skirmishes have since intensified, spreading across multiple

03:51sectors along the border, including Adar Mianche and Surin provinces. The conflict has caught the attention of ASEAN,

03:59which has called for an emergency summit. Despite talks of a ceasefire, hardline elements on both sides are pushing for

04:07continued confrontation. With both countries engaged in active combat, the risk of a prolonged conflict looms. However, economic and

04:19political pressures, especially from neighboring countries, might push both governments toward negotiations. Border wars are costly, and with

04:29global supply chains and tourism already strained, neither country can afford a long-term war.

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