Historic Temples and Modern Conflict: Inside the Thailand–Cambodia Border Dispute
The long-running border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia has once again escalated into open conflict in 2025, drawing international concern and renewed scrutiny of a rivalry rooted in history, colonial-era mapping and national identity.
At the centre of the crisis are ancient temple complexes, especially Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom, which sit near or directly on the disputed frontier. These centuries-old religious sites, once symbols of regional civilisation and shared heritage, have become focal points of modern military confrontation.
The Thailand–Cambodia border stretches across mountainous terrain, forests and plains, making precise demarcation difficult. Along this line lie remnants of the Khmer Empire, whose influence extended across much of mainland Southeast Asia between the 9th and 15th centuries.
Preah Vihear Temple, built between the 11th and 12th centuries, is perched dramatically on a cliff along the Dangrek mountain range. Its commanding position has given it religious, cultural and strategic significance. Ta Muen Thom, while less famous, occupies an important mountain pass that has long served as a route between regions.
The roots of the dispute date back to the early 20th century, when colonial authorities drew maps defining borders between Siam, now Thailand, and French-controlled Cambodia. A map produced in 1907 placed Preah Vihear on the Cambodian side of the border.
Thailand later challenged the accuracy of that map, arguing that natural watershed boundaries should define the frontier instead. Cambodia, however, maintained that the colonial map and its long-standing use established legal sovereignty.
In 1962, the International Court of Justice ruled that Preah Vihear Temple belonged to Cambodia, largely affirming the colonial map. While the ruling settled ownership of the temple itself, it did not clearly define the surrounding territory, leaving areas nearby open to dispute.
This ambiguity allowed tensions to simmer for decades, periodically erupting into diplomatic standoffs and military clashes.
A major flashpoint occurred in 2008 when Preah Vihear was granted World Heritage status. Thailand protested the decision, arguing that it strengthened Cambodia’s territorial claim. Skirmishes followed, with both countries deploying troops near the temple complex.
Although later court decisions reaffirmed Cambodia’s sovereignty over the temple, broader border demarcation issues remained unresolved.
In 2025, long-standing disagreements flared once again. A series of incidents along the border escalated into sustained fighting involving artillery, air strikes and ground forces. Battles were concentrated around elevated terrain and temple areas, where control provides both symbolic and tactical advantage.
Thousands of troops were deployed as both governments accused the other of violating ceasefires and territorial integrity.
The renewed conflict has had severe humanitarian consequences. Entire villages near the border have been evacuated as civilians fled shelling and gunfire. Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced, seeking safety in interior provinces or temporary shelters.
Trade routes and border crossings have been closed, disrupting local economies and stranding workers and families on both sides.
National identity and historical memory play a powerful role in the conflict. For many Cambodians, Preah Vihear is a sacred symbol of Khmer civilisation and independence. For many Thais, the border dispute is viewed through the lens of colonial injustice and lost territory.
Political leaders in both countries have used the dispute to rally domestic support, making compromise more difficult and increasing pressure to assert sovereignty.
The temples themselves have become military flashpoints. Their elevated positions provide strategic oversight of surrounding areas, turning places of worship into contested strongholds. Preservationists have warned that continued fighting risks irreparable damage to irreplaceable cultural heritage.
International cultural organisations have urged both sides to protect the sites and keep them free from military use.
Maps remain central to the disagreement. Competing interpretations of colonial surveys, modern cartography and natural geographic features have created overlapping claims. Without mutually accepted border markers on the ground, misunderstandings and confrontations continue to occur.
Efforts to establish joint boundary commissions and monitoring mechanisms have repeatedly stalled amid political tensions.
Diplomatic attempts to resolve the crisis have so far produced fragile ceasefires that quickly collapse. Regional organisations and foreign governments have called for restraint and dialogue, stressing the importance of peaceful resolution and respect for international law.
Despite these efforts, mistrust between the two sides remains deep.
The Thailand–Cambodia conflict demonstrates how unresolved historical disputes can re-emerge with devastating consequences. Ancient temples that once symbolised shared culture now stand at the centre of modern warfare, caught between national pride and geopolitical rivalry.
Whether these sites will continue to fuel confrontation or become foundations for reconciliation depends on future diplomacy, legal clarity and the willingness of both nations to move beyond the past.
