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strife persists between adjacent Buddhist Realms despite shared spirituality

Neighboring nations Cambodia and Thailand, both predominantly Buddhist kingdoms, share a lengthy (over 800 kilometers) border that has been historically defined by treaties signed in 1904 and 1907 between France and Siam (now Thailand). These nations boast profound historical, cultural, and...

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Neighboring Southeast Asian nations Cambodia and Thailand, largely rooted in the Buddhist faith,...
Neighboring Southeast Asian nations Cambodia and Thailand, largely rooted in the Buddhist faith, share profound historical, cultural, and spiritual connections. The boundary between them, approximately 800 kilometers long, was initially delineated by the Franco-Siamese treaties in 1904 and 1907.

strife persists between adjacent Buddhist Realms despite shared spirituality

Cambodia-Thailand Border Tussle: A Persistent Problem

Neighbors Cambodia and Thailand, predominantly Buddhist nations, are bound by shared history, culture, and religious ties. Their 800-kilometer land border, established by the French in the early 20th century, has been a hotspot for disagreements, particularly regarding cultural heritage, traditions, and religious sites.

An escalation in tensions surfaced on May 28, 2025, when a Cambodian soldier lost his life in a confrontation with Thai troops at Mom Bei, Preah Vihear province, deep within Cambodian territory. This incident rekindled a simmering fire, stoking Thai nationalists and bolstering the Thai military elements, with a history of coups d'état, to consider a full-scale war with Cambodia.

The territorial disagreements are far from new. The Preah Vihear Temple and its vicinity, for which Cambodia won legal victories at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 1962 and 2013, are among the most contentious areas. Other sites up for contention include Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Moan Tauch Temple, Ta Krabei Temple, and Mom Bei.

The Two Nation's Dilemma

Historically, border demarcation disputes have been a thorn in the sides of both governments. Cambodia leans on the maps established under the 1904 Convention and the 1907 Treaty, in line with ICJ rulings. Conversely, Thailand uses self-created maps to bolster territorial claims, leading to contradictory viewpoints and border clashes.

In 2000, Cambodia and Thailand signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for boundary survey and demarcation. The memorandum led to the creation of the Joint Border Commission (JBC), responsible for the joint implementation of the demarcation process in accordance with historical treaties and maps.

However, the 2000 MOU has fallen short in resolving the border disputes, resulting in repeated accusations and skirmishes. The enduring conflict raises concerns of heightened tensions and the need for swift resolution.

A Shift in Diplomatic Strategy

In response to the prolonged deadlock, Cambodia has chosen to approach the ICJ for dispute resolution, focusing on four sensitive areas - Mom Bei, Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Moan Tauch Temple, and Ta Krabei Temple. This move has been endorsed by the First Joint Congress of Cambodia's National Assembly and Senate, indicating a strong national consensus on the matter.

However, Thailand tends to favor bilateral negotiations, an approach that often serves its strategic interests. It is imperative for both nations to find common ground in achieving a peaceful resolution that benefits both countries in the long run.

Historical and Cultural Ties Bind Us

It is crucial to remember that our deep-rooted historical connections far surpass these territorial disagreements. The Thai people must recognize that much of what is now known as Thailand was once part of the ancient Khmer Empire. With the achievement of independence after World War II, both nations must abide by the international legal principle of uti possidetis juris, ensuring that colonial-era borders as defined by the Franco-Siamese treaties are respected.

In the spirit of maintaining peaceful co-existence, mutual respect, and harmonious co-existence, our two Buddhist Kingdoms must strive to live side by side in unity and harmony.

Kin Phea

Kin Phea, the Director-General of the International Relations Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, shares these thoughts, emphasizing the importance of respecting each other's sovereignty, territorial integrity, dignity, and cultural identity.

  1. The escalating border tussle between Cambodia and Thailand underscores the need for both nations to address international concerns, particularly in the realm of general news and politics.
  2. As Cambodia navies the support of international legal mechanisms, such as the ICJ, to resolve territorial disputes, Thai officials might want to consider the health of their international reputation, given the potential repercussions of a prolonged war-and-conflicts scenario.
  3. Meanwhile, cultural ties bind these countries together, and it would be prudent for both nations to view their differences through the lens of shared history and heritage, rather than allowing disputes to overshadow these important aspects of their identity.
  4. Amidst these challenges, the opinions of respected figures like Kin Phea, who advocates for mutual respect and the preservation of cultural identity, can play a crucial role in steering these neighbors towards a more harmonious future, benefiting both their economies and their overall wellbeing.

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