Thai-Cambodian Border Tensions: A Closer Look
Army chief pays visit to frontier outpost in Ubon Ratchathani province
The Thai-Cambodian border has seen an escalation of tensions recently, primarily due to several disputes and incidents. A notable clash occurred on May 28, 2025, near Morokot village in Cambodia's Preah Vihear province. The skirmish led to the unfortunate death of a Cambodian soldier, with differing accounts between the two nations regarding the sequence of events [1].
The disputes also involve ancient temples like Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Toch, and Ta Kro Bei, which are located in contentious areas [1]. In February 2025, a border incident took place at the Ta Moan Thom temple following a confrontation between Cambodian troops and their families, and Thai forces [1].
Thai Military and Government Action
Military Readiness
The Thai military is geared up to support its presence in the eastern border region, with the 1st Special Forces Division enhancing its readiness through training sessions [3]. High-level meetings have been held to strategize for managing the situation, including a National Security Council emergency meeting led by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai [5].
Government Approach
The Thai government is advocating for a bilateral resolution to the disputes, encouraging Cambodia to engage via the Joint Commission on Demarcation of Land Boundary (JBC) rather than escalating the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) [4]. Thailand has expressed its willingness to restart JBC negotiations scheduled for June 14, 2025, in Phnom Penh [4].
Resisting ICJ Referral
Thailand is keen to prevent the border dispute from being referred to the ICJ, opting instead for a bilateral resolution via existing frameworks [2][3]. Cambodia, however, has suggested it will pursue the ICJ route for several disputed areas, including the temple sites, if Thailand refuses participation [1][3].
Public and Political Influence
The heightened tensions have sparked nationalist sentiments and public pressure in both nations. In Thailand, there are concerns about the government's response to the situation, with some questioning the Prime Minister's stance [3]. The Thai government has underscored the importance of protecting its sovereignty while avoiding the spread of misinformation that could exacerbate tensions [5].
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] Enrichment Data:
- On February 18, 2025, a group of Cambodian soldiers and their families entered Ta Moan Thom temple, causing an argument with Thai forces [1].
- The Thai government proposed temporarily closing border checkpoints to de-escalate tensions, but the proposal was rejected [2].
- Thai military has increased its presence along the border, and Thai and Cambodian militaries held talks on May 30, 2025, in Tak Province, Thailand [3][4].
- The clash at Chong Bok Pass on May 28, 2025, was the first significant border clash between Thailand and Cambodia since 2008 [5].
- The Thai government is pushing for a diplomatic resolution to the Thai-Cambodian border disputes, advocating for bilateral talks through the Joint Commission on Demarcation of Land Boundary (JBC), but Cambodia is considering referring the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) if negotiations stall.
- The ongoing border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have triggered political debates and nationalist sentiments in both countries, with the Thai public questioning the government's response and the Prime Minister's stance, while the Thai government emphasizes the need to protect its sovereignty and avoid spreading misinformation that could worsen the situation.
