Fresh Thailand Cambodia Border Clashes Reignite Century-Old Territorial Dispute

Renewed Border Fighting Between Thailand and Cambodia Disrupts Fragile Ceasefire

The long-simmering Thailand–Cambodia border conflict has flared once again, with Thai airstrikes and fierce ground combat breaking the fragile ceasefire negotiated earlier this year. The latest violence has killed at least 10 people, displaced over one lakh residents and reignited anxieties across Southeast Asia over a conflict deeply entangled in history, nationalism and external power rivalries.

Ceasefire Unravels Amid Accusations and Escalating Firepower

The current round of hostilities began on Monday, marking the most intense confrontation since the July truce. Both sides deny responsibility for initiating fire, but Thailand’s deployment of air power signals a notable escalation. Months of mutual allegations — ceasefire violations, provocative troop movement and political propaganda — had indicated that tensions were never fully contained.

Border Dispute Rooted in Colonial-Era Mapping and ICJ Verdicts

The conflict draws from early 20th-century border demarcations, particularly the controversial 1907 French-drawn map that Cambodia considers valid but Thailand rejects. The International Court of Justice rulings in 1962 and 2013 reaffirmed Cambodia’s territorial claims around the Preah Vihear temple, keeping the issue politically sensitive within Thailand and repeatedly triggering military standoffs from 2008 through 2011.

Geopolitics Complicate a Bilateral Crisis

Cambodia’s deepening links with China contrast with Thailand’s longstanding alignment with the US. Washington’s renewed diplomatic engagement with Phnom Penh — partly aimed at countering Beijing — adds strategic weight to what began as a border dispute, narrowing space for compromise.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Disputed region relates to the 1907 colonial-era map .

• ICJ rulings in 1962 and 2013 favoured Cambodia’s claims.

• Over 1 lakh civilians displaced in latest clashes.

• Thailand used airstrikes , marking an escalation.