Thailand–Cambodia conflict

The world is currently engulfed in conflict, with wars between Ukraine and Russia, and Israel and Palestine. Nations such as Iran, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Yemen, and Congo are either actively engaged in warfare or facing terrorism and civil unrest. These conflicts have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands, creating scenes that are both inhumane and terrifying. Many people have become refugees within their own countries or have been forced to flee to other nations. Meanwhile, major powers like the United States and China are maneuvering behind the scenes. It appears that violence has become rampant, and global leadership has faltered. There is a lack of willingness to listen, as everyone is preoccupied with their own agendas, whether it be power or business interests.

Now there is a conflict on the border between two small Asian countries Thailand and Cambodia for the last four days. More than 35 people and many soldiers have been killed in this war and more than one lakh people have been displaced. Now America and China have also entered this war. American President Donald Trump has once again adopted his old tactic and warned both the countries that if both do not stop the conflict, then the possible American trade agreement will be in danger. Also, like the India-Pakistan ceasefire, Trump has claimed that Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to hold an immediate meeting and ceasefire. China has also indirectly stood behind Cambodia. Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham accepted Thailand's desire for a ceasefire but did not express full confidence in Cambodia.

In a Facebook post, he encouraged Trump to communicate Thailand's interest in initiating peace talks with Cambodia. The recent violence marks the most significant conflict between Thailand and Cambodia in the past ten years. On Saturday, hostilities escalated in Thailand's Trat province and Cambodia's Pursat province, creating a new battleground 100 kilometers from the original conflict area. The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia has historical roots, mainly concerning the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple and its surrounding regions. This disagreement stems from longstanding political and cultural claims by both nations, persisting due to unclear borders and maps established during the colonial period.

Relations between Thailand and Cambodia have been quite complex and sensitive. The question is why is this war happening. The biggest reason behind this war is the ancient Shiva temple. Preah Vihear Temple is located in the Dangrek Hills, which was built by the Khmer Empire during the 9th to 12th centuries. After the fall of the Khmer Empire, in the 19th century, this area became the center of dispute between Thailand (then Siam) and French colony Cambodia. The boundaries were determined under the agreements of 1904 and 1907 between the French and Siam, in which French cartographers placed this temple within the border of Cambodia, but the mixed commission formed for the correct interpretation of the boundaries did not completely resolve the disputes. This dispute continued even after Cambodia's independence in 1953. In 1962, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that the Preah Vihear temple was in Cambodian territory, but the dispute over the 4.6 square kilometer area around the temple was left open, which led to continued border conflict. Thailand partially accepted this decision, while the nationalists there were angry with it. In 2008, Cambodia gave Preah Vihear temple the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which caused discontent in Thailand and the armies of both countries were deployed in the disputed area. Since then, there have been several violent clashes on the border, in which soldiers from both sides were killed and many families were displaced.

The Cambodia-Thailand conflict has raised concerns of many countries, including India. The main reason for this is the security of the Indo-Pacific region. India has good relations with both countries. Vietnam is worried because it has a long history of border tensions with Cambodia and China. If the conflict between the two countries continues, Vietnam's own border defense may become complicated. China has strong defense and economic ties with Cambodia. It has invested heavily in Cambodia and also supplies it with military equipment. The US needs Thailand to maintain its dominance in South East Asia and Thailand is its ally under the defense treaty. Indonesia, the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, is also worried about this conflict. The Thailand-Cambodia conflict must end so that there is no tension in the Indo-Pacific region. Now the time has come to question the war, because ultimately humanity loses in war.