Why Thailand and Cambodia Are Fighting Again and What Ancient Temples Have to Do With It

Today on July 24, 2025, fighting has erupted once again along the tense Thailand-Cambodia border, leaving at least 11 civilians and one soldier dead. Rockets, airstrikes, and artillery fire shook the region near the ancient Ta Moan Thom temple, sending families running for cover. 

Thai fighter jets targeted Cambodian positions, while rockets from Cambodia struck towns and even hit a hospital in Thailand’s Surin province. With schools shut, borders closed, and thousands fleeing their homes, peace has once again turned into fear. 

This is not a new conflict, it’s a long and bitter struggle rooted in history, old maps, and sacred temples. Here’s everything you need to know.

Why Are They Fighting?

The Thailand-Cambodia conflict dates back more than a century, driven by deep historical, cultural, and political fault lines:

• Colonial-era maps: In 1907, while Cambodia was under French colonial rule, a border map was drawn between Cambodia and Thailand (then Siam). However, the map lacked clarity, leading to conflicting interpretations that persist today.
  
• Disputed temples: Tensions often center around ancient Khmer temples located in dense jungles along the border, particularly Preah Vihear and Ta Moan Thom. These sites are symbolic to both nations and considered national treasures. Even a few hundred meters of land around them can trigger fierce emotions.

The Ancient Temple Issue:

The heart of the Thailand-Cambodia border conflict lies in the ownership of ancient temples, primarily Preah Vihear and the Ta Moan Thom group.

• Preah Vihear Temple: A 900-year-old Hindu temple perched on a cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains, it is easier to access from Thailand but lies just across the border inside Cambodia. In 1962, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled the temple belonged to Cambodia. However, surrounding land remains contested. Both countries maintain military outposts nearby, and even minor incidents can rapidly escalate.
  
• Ta Moan Thom and Other Temples: Several other temples, such as Ta Krabey, also lie along the unclear boundary. Because the border is poorly demarcated, both countries claim ownership. Soldiers from both sides have at times occupied these temple sites, sparking tense standoffs or deadly skirmishes.
  

Why Can’t They Agree?

• Old colonial maps: Both sides rely on maps drawn during the French colonial era, interpreted differently to support their respective claims.
  
• UNESCO tension: Cambodia’s successful bid to have Preah Vihear designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 inflamed tensions. Thailand claimed the listing included disputed land, prompting renewed clashes.
  
• Cultural pride: These temples are more than ancient ruins, they represent national identity. Control over them is seen as a matter of heritage, sovereignty, and honor.
  

What Happens at the Temples Now?

• Military presence: Disputed temple zones are heavily guarded by troops from both countries. Even small misunderstandings can ignite violent confrontations.
  
• Access issues: Tourists, pilgrims, and local communities often face restrictions due to ongoing tensions, which in turn affects local economies and cultural exchange.

Thailand vs Cambodia: Timeline of Tensions

Here’s how this long-standing feud has played out:

What’s Next?

Despite the escalation, both governments have publicly expressed interest in peace. However, deep mistrust and a long history of broken talks make progress uncertain. While countries like China have offered to mediate, there has been no significant breakthrough. For people living along the border, life remains caught in a cycle of uneasy calm and sudden chaos.

Thailand-Cambodia conflict is like a long and tricky argument over old lines drawn on a map, with ancient temples at the heart. Sometimes the argument cools off, but every now and then, it flares up. And, just like now, it’s the ordinary people, kids, parents, the elderly, who suffer the most when peace breaks.