INTRODUCTION
The Cambodian-Thai border conflict has roots tracing back to the early 20th century around the ownership of the Preah Vihear, a historical Hindu temple situated along the border. While Cambodia claims sovereignty over the temple, Thailand argues that the surrounding land remains in dispute. For Cambodia, the site is a symbol of cultural heritage and national pride, whereas Thailand states that historical maps and local perceptions support its territorial claim.
After violent military clashes in the late 2000s, recent developments have reignited tensions between the two nations, making the situation a topic deserving renewed attention. Nationalist rhetoric from factions within both countries surged, and military clashes prompted Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to warn of potential military action should Thai authorities use force to occupy territory (Hong Raksmey, 2025). In this sense, it is important to revisit the context surrounding the conflict and consider its broader implications for regional stability and human rights violations.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The territorial disputes over Preah Vihear date back to the Siamese-Vietnamese War of 1833-1846. Before this conflict, the temple was considered part of Siam (now modern-day Thailand). Following the war, a peace treaty was signed, making Siam cede sovereignty of the region around the temple to Cambodia (Brian Techert, 2021). Despite this, the country’s borders remained unaffected, and in 1907, a French military officer’s map depicted the temple as being on the Cambodian side of the border. This discrepancy went unnoticed by the Siamese government until the 1930s, which led to renewed territorial disputes.
In a June 1962 Judgement, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) found that the temple was located in territory under the sovereignty of Cambodia and that Thailand should withdraw any military or police forces stationed at the temple or in its vicinity (International Court of Justice, Temple of Preah Vihear 1962). However, the Court dismissed Cambodia’s claim that the judgement had also granted it sovereignty over Phnom Trap, a hill located approximately three kilometres northwest of the temple.
The conflicts between the two countries culminated in violent clashes between 2008 and 2011. In 2008, Cambodia wanted to list the temple as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to which Thailand objected (UNESCO, 2023). In April 2011, it requested the ICJ to interpret the 1962 Judgement, arguing that while Thailand recognised Cambodia’s sovereignty over the temple itself, it did not appear to recognise it over the surrounding territories. In its decision, the Court declared unanimously that Cambodia had sovereignty over the whole territory of the promontory of Preah Vihear (International Court of Justice, Temple of Preah Vihear 2013). It also affirmed that the temple was a site of religious and cultural significance for the peoples of the region.
CURRENT LANDSCAPE
Despite the ICJ’s decision, recent events show that the matter is still not settled. In February 2025, there was an encounter between Cambodian and Thai soldiers near the Ta Muen Thom Temple. The conflict over this temple originated due to incomplete border delimitation in the surrounding areas located on the Dangrek escarpment. The border was set by the Franco-Siamese treaty signed in March 1907, but it was never fully accepted and has been contested periodically by the governments of not only Cambodia and Thailand but also Laos. A group of Cambodian soldiers arrived at the Temple and began singing the Cambodian national anthem, resulting in the Thai army sending a letter of complaint to Cambodia’s Military Region four over what it described as “inappropriate behaviour”. It added that Cambodians were allowed to visit the temple for worship “on the condition that they do not engage in any actions that could be interpreted as a territorial claim” (Sebastian Strangio, 2025).
Furthermore, the anticipated dialogue between Cambodian Defence Minister General Tea Seiha and Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, initially scheduled for March 21st, 2025 was postponed to April due to an urgent mission involving former Cambodian President Hun Sen (The Nation, 2025). The meeting aimed to seek cooperation to de-escalate the growing tensions, and while both governments reiterated their commitment to resolving the disputes peacefully, the delay raises concerns.
The border tensions are more than just about territorial disagreements. According to the 2024 annual report presented by Chou Bun Eng, the Interior Ministry’s Secretary of State and vice-chairwoman for the National Committee for Countering Human Trafficking, the number of cases in Cambodia surged during this year, as did law enforcement action to investigate crimes related to tech-based scams and sexual exploitation (Niem Chheng, 2025). Alarmingly, nearly 44 percent of these victims were minors, highlighting a disturbing rise in child exploitation.
In March 2025, Thailand considered constructing a wall along parts of its border with Cambodia to prevent illegal crossings (David Hutt, 2025). As measures to address these cross-border crimes become more aggressive, concerns are growing over their broader implications for vulnerable populations. Human trafficking, forced labour, unlawful detention, and restricted freedom of movement are among the most pressing issues already reported, and it is necessary to examine how the ongoing conflict and related security policies contribute to the violation of human rights.
DERIVING HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
The border creates fertile ground for crimes that put important rights at stake. On November 25th, 2024 Thai authorities forcibly returned six Cambodian political activists and a young child to Cambodia. The group had been arrested by Thai immigration officials a day earlier in Pathum Thani province for allegedly overstaying their visas. Despite appeals for protection, they were deported and detained in various prisons based on politically motivated charges. Only the child, a five-year-old boy, was released to family members upon arrival (Human Rights Watch, 2024). This situation calls into question the prisoners’ right to freedom and physical integrity, given the history of abuse and mistreatment reported in Cambodian detention facilities, as well as the right to a fair trial with adequate legal safeguards.
In addition, according to the UN Human Rights Office, online scam centres continue to operate with impunity. These illicit scam centres are hotspots for human trafficking and massive financial fraud, which has resulted in the trafficking of hundreds of thousands of people in recent years. There is a significant risk of inhumane treatment, sexual exploitation, and forced labour for these individuals, most of whom are women and minors. Some measures are being put in place to try to mitigate the situation. In September, the US government announced sanctions on Cambodian tycoon Ly Yong Phat, his conglomerate L.Y.P. Group Co., O-Smach Resort, and three hotels owned or controlled by Ly for their role in serious human rights abuses related to forced labour and scam operations (Human Rights Watch, 2025). Furthermore, law enforcement is taking action, and the Thai police received 119 Thai nationals from Cambodian authorities after a raid in the town of Poipet pulled more than 215 people out from a scam compound (Reuters, 2025). However, serious issues persist, and much work remains to be done.
CONCLUSION
Although this dispute dates back hundreds of years and Preah Vihear remains a sensitive matter, the border issues have expanded beyond territorial quarrels. Collaboration between Thai and Cambodian authorities is important, not only to settle territorial claims but also to prevent serious human rights violations related to military clashes, human trafficking schemes, and unlawful deportations.
While it remains to be seen when the next meeting between the leaders will take place and what concrete measures will follow, there are some negative signs. During its fourth Universal Periodic Review before the Human Rights Council in May 2024, it became evident that Cambodia has made little progress on the recommendations it accepted in 2019 (Human Rights Watch, 2025). Despite the promises made by Prime Minister Hun Manet to strengthen democracy and the rule of law, his government has continued to restrict fundamental freedoms and intensified persecution of dissidents. If this resistance to reform extends to the collaboration with Thailand, reaching an agreement may take longer than anticipated.
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