Cambodia Closes Border Crossing, Deploys Troops in Higher Readiness due to Dispute with Thailand
PHNOM PENH: Tensions Mount between Cambodia and its neighboring rival, Thailand, with Cambodia ordering its troops to remain on "max alert" and cancelling Thai TV dramas. In the latest escalation of a border dispute that's already seen deadly clashes, Cambodia also severed internet connections routed through Thailand, closed a key border crossing, and demanded a halt to local TV and cinema screenings of Thai shows.
Prime Minister Hun Manet took to Facebook, declaring a cutoff of all internet bandwidth from Thailand, sparking grumbles from users about sluggish speeds. The move came just days ahead of a meeting aimed at easing hostilities.
Referencing colonial legacies and military skirmishes, ongoing issues fuel persistent border disputes between the two countries. Recently, Cambodia expressed its intention to take the crisis to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for resolution, focusing on disputed territories like Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Toch, and Ta Krabei temples. However, Thailand refuses to acknowledge ICJ's jurisdiction and prefers resolving the issue through bilateral negotiations via their Joint Boundary Committee.
Economic impacts loom large, with discussions about potential halts to Thai imports following a border clash, and tourism might be affected as well, with some travelers avoiding Thailand due to the conflict. So far, the clashes and diplomatic sparring have resulted in the death of one Cambodian soldier.
- Amidst the escalating war-and-conflicts between Cambodia and its neighboring rival, Thailand, the general news of the region is dominated by political tensions, border disputes, and potential crackdowns on Thai media and cultural exports.
- The ongoing politics between Cambodia and Thailand, marked by war-and-conflicts over disputed territories, have expanded beyond military skirmishes to encompass economic sanctions, crime-and-justice implications, and efforts to seek international resolution via the International Court of Justice, while bilateral negotiations remain contentious.
