The Preah Vihear temple: understanding Thai-Cambodia conflicts over an 11th-century Hindu temple
The influence of Hinduism and Buddhism was evident in many aspects of Khmer life in Cambodia. Thailand too was strongly influenced by Hinduism.
🔥 Recent Clash and De-escalation Efforts
On May 28, a deadly clash broke out along the disputed Thai-Cambodian border, resulting in the death of at least one Cambodian soldier. In response, both nations have agreed to withdraw their troops to previously agreed-upon positions in an attempt to reduce tensions and avoid further escalation.
🏛️ Background of the Conflict
The Thailand–Cambodia border dispute has been ongoing for decades, yet it rarely attracts global attention. The core of this territorial conflict is the Preah Vihear Temple, a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which sits atop a mountain ridge that both countries lay claim to.
In 1962, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that the temple belongs to Cambodia, but Thailand contests parts of the land surrounding it, particularly a 4.6 sq km area near the temple. This disputed territory has been the site of military clashes, nationalist rhetoric, and international diplomatic efforts.
🌐 Ongoing Dispute
Even after the ICJ’s clarification in 2013, affirming Cambodia’s sovereignty over the temple and its immediate surroundings, tensions flare up periodically. These flare-ups are often fueled by:
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Military patrols in disputed areas
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Nationalist movements in both countries
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Delays in demarcating the final border line
