Cambodia and Thailand are fighting because of a long-running border dispute that recently flared into the most serious clashes in years, centered on contested land and ancient temple areas along their shared frontier. Nationalist politics, landmine incidents, and mutual accusations of cross- border attacks have all helped push the situation from tension into open fighting.
Immediate trigger
Recent clashes escalated after a series of skirmishes in disputed zones, including the “Emerald Triangle” and areas around temples such as Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom. Each side claims the other fired first, with Thailand citing Cambodian rocket and artillery attacks on its territory and Cambodia denouncing Thai strikes and incursions as aggression.
Deeper causes
The core issue is how the border was drawn during the French colonial period, which left overlapping claims to land and historic temple sites along an 800‑kilometer frontier. These ambiguities have fueled periodic flare‑ups for decades, with both governments using strong nationalist rhetoric to defend territorial claims.
Recent escalation factors
Several recent incidents sharply raised tensions, including the killing of a Cambodian soldier in a May skirmish and a Thai soldier losing his leg to a landmine near the border in July. In response, both sides increased troops, imposed economic and border restrictions, and then exchanged artillery and airstrikes that displaced tens of thousands of civilians.
Political dimension
The confrontation is also tied to domestic politics in both countries, where leaders face pressure not to appear weak on sovereignty. The conflict has already destabilized Thai politics and prompted Cambodia to seek urgent action at the UN Security Council, framing the crisis as a threat to regional peace.
Main issues at stake table
Issue| Cambodia’s view| Thailand’s view
---|---|---
Disputed border line| Favors colonial-era French maps and temple claims.17|
Challenges parts of those maps as unfair or unclear.17
Who started fighting| Says Thai forces launched unprovoked attacks.410| Says
Cambodia fired rockets/artillery first.13
Recent landmine incident| Denies deliberate provocation, stresses self-
defense.56| Cites landmine that maimed a Thai soldier as escalation.67
International approach| Calls for UN Security Council action and mediation.24|
Publicly emphasizes ceasefire first, then talks.19
