Amidst the numerous other conflicts taking place across the world, rising tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have given way to a shaky ceasefire. While some cite the growing pressure to a Cambodian soldier’s death near the border in May, the conflict’s origins date back far before then.
The dispute can be traced back to when colonial powers in Southeast Asia drew out the border between the two countries. Both nations claim that Preah Vihear, an ancient Hindu temple and a World Heritage site for seventeen years, is a part of their land. Cambodia’s claim to the area has been formalized twice by the International Court of Justice, though rejected just as firmly by Thailand both times. The latest bit of flame to dry kindling was the death of a Cambodian soldier after an exchange of gunfire with Thai soldiers over the disputed area.
Following the soldier’s death, the heads of both countries, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and de facto Cambodian leader Hun Sen, talked over the phone about the incident. This act would have a horrible impact on Shinawatra’s political standing in her country. Unimaginably, the call was leaked by Hun Sen. In it, Shinawatra can be heard seeming to yield to the Cambodian leader, even going as far as criticizing some of Thailand’s military leaders. Consequently, Shinawatra, the third prime minister in her family, was suspended and received calls telling her to resign. Thailand’s Constitutional Court is currently looking into whether or not her permanent dismissal is necessary.
A week ago, a mine explosion killed five Thai soldiers in the disputed area; answering fire by both sides has led to at least 35 deaths and the displacement of thousands of civilians. For the time being, Thailand’s prior Minister of Defense, Phumtham Wechayachai, has stepped in as acting prime minister. Mongolia and the US have worked to broker the ceasefire. President Trump increased pressure on the contending nations by threatening to pull out of tariff discussions. It hadn’t taken long for the ceasefire to meet its first challenge as Thailand reported gunfire and other acts of aggression from Cambodia; however, the other country denies any wrongdoing on their part. Thailand has made it clear that “should violations persist, Thailand will take appropriate and decisive measures.”
During this time of frequent and heavy conflict, swift ceasefire agreements such as these can save countless lives; however, the agreement’s true value is also measured by how long it remains in check. Hopefully, no more infractions, or rumors thereof, will threaten the tentative truce.