The recent clashes between Thailand and Cambodia are the result of a long-standing border dispute that has suddenly turned violent after months of rising tensions. Here's what's behind the conflict:

 Bangkok, July 26 — Armed clashes have erupted along the Thailand–Cambodia border, escalating months of rising tensions into full-scale violence. Fighting broke out in disputed border areas, involving gunfire, shelling, and rocket attacks. At least 14 people have been killed in Thailand and one in Cambodia, with dozens more injured. Tens of thousands of residents near the border have fled their homes. Thailand has also carried out airstrikes on Cambodian territory.

This is the second major confrontation since a Cambodian soldier was killed in May, and it comes just hours after both countries downgraded diplomatic ties following a land mine explosion that injured Thai soldiers. The Thai military reported fighting in multiple locations along the border with four provinces affected.

How the Conflict Started

The dispute flared up in May when Thai and Cambodian troops exchanged fire in a small but contested border area claimed by both nations. Each side blamed the other and said they acted in self-defense. Although both governments initially agreed to calm tensions, hostilities continued, with diplomatic and trade restrictions increasing.

Thailand imposed strict border controls, limiting crossings to only essential travel, and fully closed the border on Thursday. Cambodia responded by banning Thai movies and TV, halting Thai fuel and food imports, and boycotting some of Thailand’s internet and electricity services.

Political Fallout in Thailand

The border conflict has sparked political unrest in Thailand. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended on July 1 for an ethics investigation after a leaked phone call with a top Cambodian official. In the call, she referred to former Cambodian PM Hun Sen as “uncle” and criticized the Thai military—remarks that triggered national backlash.

Hun Sen, who still holds influence as Senate president, had once been close to Paetongtarn's father, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, but the two fell out over the border issue. The controversy weakened Paetongtarn’s coalition government when a key partner, the Bhumjaithai Party, pulled its support, accusing her of being too soft on Cambodia. She later apologized and claimed her remarks were part of a negotiation strategy. Former Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has stepped in as acting prime minister.

Long-Standing Border Disputes

Thailand and Cambodia share an 800-kilometer border, parts of which remain disputed due to conflicting interpretations of colonial-era maps. The most well-known dispute centers around the ancient Preah Vihear temple.

In 1962, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) awarded the temple and surrounding land to Cambodia. Thailand disagreed with the ruling, and the area has seen repeated clashes over the years. In 2011, renewed violence led Cambodia to return to the ICJ, which reaffirmed its decision in 2013. Cambodia has again appealed to the court over the current tensions, but Thailand has rejected the court’s authority in this matter.

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