Escalating Border Conflict Between Thailand and Cambodia Resumes Over Preah Vihear Temple

The longstanding territorial dispute between Thailand and Cambodia has escalated into renewed military clashes along their shared border, resulting in significant casualties and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians. The conflict centers around the Preah Vihear temple region, a site of historical and strategic importance to both nations.

The recent hostilities began on December 7, 2025, when a skirmish wounded Thai soldiers, effectively breaking a U.S.-brokered ceasefire established in July. The following day, both nations exchanged artillery fire and airstrikes along their contested frontier. Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that military action was necessary for defense, while Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet called for national unity in response to the attacks.

The Preah Vihear temple, an ancient Hindu temple located atop a 525-meter cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains, has been a focal point of contention between the two countries. In 1962, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in favor of Cambodia, awarding it sovereignty over the temple. However, the surrounding land remained disputed, leading to intermittent tensions and military clashes over the decades.

The recent clashes have resulted in significant casualties and displacement. Reports indicate that at least 14 people have been killed in Thailand and another in Cambodia, with more than 130,000 people living along both sides of their border fleeing the ongoing violence. The violence has caused significant casualties and prompted mass evacuations, with mounting humanitarian concerns over food and water shortages among displaced civilians.

The international community has expressed concern over the escalating conflict. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who helped establish the earlier ceasefire, announced plans to hold a phone call with leaders from Thailand and Cambodia in response to the ongoing conflict, expressing optimism about de-escalating tensions. Additionally, the United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting to address the situation, emphasizing the need for both nations to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to resolve their differences peacefully.

Amid the border conflict, Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced his intent to "return power to the people," indicating his readiness to dissolve parliament and prompt early elections. This decision comes as the border conflict with Cambodia enters its fourth day, resulting in at least 20 fatalities and nearly 200 injuries.

The renewed conflict has had profound social and economic impacts. Thousands of civilians have been displaced, seeking refuge in makeshift evacuation centers with limited resources. Humanitarian organizations report acute shortages of food, clean water, and sanitation facilities. The conflict has also disrupted cross-border trade and daily life for communities along the border. Furthermore, Cambodia withdrew its team from the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand due to safety concerns amid the ongoing border conflict.

The Preah Vihear temple has been a flashpoint for conflict between Thailand and Cambodia for decades. In 2008, the temple was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a move that reignited tensions and led to military clashes between the two nations. The dispute over the temple and surrounding areas has resulted in periodic outbreaks of violence, with both sides accusing each other of encroachments and violations of sovereignty.

The current escalation underscores the fragility of peace in the region and the urgent need for a sustainable resolution to the longstanding dispute. As both nations grapple with the humanitarian and economic consequences of the conflict, the international community continues to advocate for restraint and a return to diplomatic negotiations to prevent further loss of life and regional instability.