Niranjan Jose
Cambodia and Thailand are Buddhist-majority neighboring kingdoms that share rich histories and cultures. The Franco-Siamese treaties of 1904 and 1907 initially established their land boundaries, which span over 817 km. Although they share similarities,
bilateral tensions have frequently emerged, notably in relation to claims to cultural heritage and religious sites. Disputes regarding border demarcation and territory have been among the most sensitive issues, frequently inciting ultranationalist sentiments.
Thailand maintains 17 official border crossings with Cambodia, which encompass seven provinces along their shared frontier. Tensions have been rising between the Thai and Cambodian militaries over the past few months,
which risks a kinetic confrontation over the Ta Moan Thom Temple, which both sides claim. Any increase in tensions could potentially impact the intra-ASEAN solidarity as well, which is already facing challenges stemming from the Myanmar civil war.
In February, a brief altercation broke out between Thai forces after Cambodian personnel and their family members entered an ancient temple along the border and sang the Cambodian national anthem. This was documented on video and subsequently went viral on social media. On February 18,
the Royal Thai Army sent an official complaint letter to the commander of Military Region 4 in Cambodia, describing the event as “inappropriate behavior.” In response to visits from Cambodian nationalists, Thai nationalist organizations began implementing unofficial ceremonies which included singing the Thai national anthem. Both Thai and Cambodian soldiers entered the temple, leading to standoffs.
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