Border clashes between Cambodia and Thailand are not new, but recent events highlight a deeper issue rooted not in territorial disputes, but in the internal political conflict of Thailand.
Since the end of the absolute monarchy in 1932, Thailand has experienced frequent military blows. Although they are not officially recognized, these blows often receive implicit support from the monarchy, especially when a civil government becomes popular among the Thai public.
Today, tensions are increasing again as the Thai army positions itself strategically to challenge the government of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra, who was withdrawn from power in a coup d’etat of 2006. To build domestic support for his political ambitions, the army is using a powerful force in Thai society: nationalism.
To feed this nationalist agenda, the Thai army began border confrontations with Cambodia on May 28, killing the Cambodian soldier Suon Rorn. Cambodia immediately expressed his intention to file a lawsuit against the ICJ for a peaceful resolution. However, Thai military leader General Boonsin Padklang rejected this approach and chose the military confrontation about diplomacy.
The situation got worse when Thai soldiers were injured by land mines while patrolling what they claimed as Thai territory.
The mines were remains of the Civil War of Cambodia in the Cambodian earth that had not been clear. Instead of admitting its illegal cross -border activity, the Thai army accused Cambodia of negligence, and the Thai civil government, competing with the army for popularity among the Thai, expelled the Cambodian ambassador. They also closed access to key tourist sites, including Jemeros temples within the territory of Camboyian.
The most dangerous escalation occurred when the Thai army opened fire and crossed Cambodia, damaging the Preah Vihear temple, a Unesco world heritage site. They also attacked civil sites in Cambodia, including religious sites and a hospital, which is prohibited by international law.
Civil lives have been lost. The Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Manet, has asked the ASEAN, the UN Security Council and the president of the United States, Donald Trump, who intervene and were a peaceful resolution.
Posted in Dawn, August 4, 2025
