Why Thailand And Cambodia Are Fighting Again

That truce between Thailand and Cambodia didn't last long. Barely a few months after US President Donald Trump helped them shake hands on a deal, they are back to fighting again over the long-standing border dispute. The recent clashes mark a serious rise in hostilities between these two Southeast Asian neighbours. Back in July, just five days of border fighting left at least 40 people dead and forced hundreds of thousands to flee their homes. Although they reached a ceasefire deal later that month, progress stalled when Thailand pulled out of peace talks in November.

Since the recent clashes erupted, several people have lost their lives, with both sides reporting casualties. By Tuesday, the conflict had spread to several new regions along the disputed border, with reports emerging of attacks involving rockets and drones in some areas. Around 400,000 residents near the border between the two countries have had to leave their homes because of the recent surge in violence.

The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia stretches back more than a century to when their borders were drawn after French colonial times. There were disagreements over the exact borderlines and ownership of temples in the area. It intensified in 2008, after Cambodia tried to get UNESCO recognition for an old temple in the disputed zone, which angered Thailand. Since then, border encounters have surfaced occasionally.

In early December, fighting reignited when Thailand said its soldiers responded to gunfire from Cambodia in Ubon Province, resulting in a Thai soldier’s death. Thailand also launched air strikes on the contested border area. On the other hand, Cambodia claimed that Thai forces were the ones to start the attack in Preah Vihear province and stated it did not retaliate. The following day, Thailand accused Cambodia of attacking its troops with rockets and drones, some of which struck civilian areas. Thailand also said it launched more airstrikes. Meanwhile, Cambodia accused Thailand of firing into civilian areas.

Both Cambodia and Thailand said they will continue to protect their people and defend their borders. At the same time, countries like Japan and Malaysia have voiced concern and urged both sides to remain calm. The US embassies in Thailand and Cambodia warned Americans to stay at least 50 km away from the border, while the UK embassy issued a similar alert, saying the fighting has intensified and the situation remains unstable.