Thousands Rally in Cambodia Amid Rising Tensions with Thailand Over Border Dispute
- Victor Nwoko
- Jun 19
- 3 min read
Thousands of Cambodians took to the streets of Phnom Penh on Wednesday in a government-organized demonstration supporting the country's position in an escalating border dispute with Thailand. The march, triggered by the death of a Cambodian soldier during a brief armed clash in May, comes as tensions between the two Southeast Asian neighbors continue to rise.
Demonstrators, including monks, students, and officials, waved Cambodian flags and carried portraits of Prime Minister Hun Manet and his father, former Prime Minister Hun Sen. Led by Deputy Prime Minister Hun Many, the marchers chanted patriotic slogans such as “Cambodia’s land! We won’t take others’ land, we keep our land!”
The protest follows inconclusive diplomatic talks held in Phnom Penh earlier this week. Both countries have agreed to continue dialogue, though key points of contention remain unresolved.
Cambodia’s Ministry of Defense accused Thailand on Wednesday of violating Cambodian sovereignty by increasing military activity near disputed areas along the border, including drone surveillance, trench construction, and troop deployments. Thailand rejected the claims, asserting that all activities were conducted within its own territory and in compliance with a 2000 memorandum of understanding (MOU) designed to manage border issues.
The 820-kilometer (510-mile) land border between Cambodia and Thailand includes multiple undemarcated areas, many of which house ancient temple ruins that both nations claim. The most prominent of these is the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple, which has been a flashpoint in bilateral relations for decades.
In 1962, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) awarded sovereignty over Preah Vihear to Cambodia. However, tensions flared again in 2008, resulting in deadly skirmishes, including a week-long artillery exchange in 2011 that left at least a dozen people dead and thousands displaced. Cambodia returned to the ICJ in 2013, which reaffirmed its ruling on the surrounding territory—a decision that Thailand has long contested.
The most recent confrontation in May occurred when Cambodian and Thai troops exchanged fire in a disputed “no man’s land.” Both governments claimed they acted in self-defense, but the incident led to the death of a Cambodian soldier and a surge in nationalist sentiment on both sides.
In response to growing tensions, Cambodia has suspended imports of Thai fruits and vegetables, banned Thai films and television content, and announced a halt in purchasing Thai electricity and internet services. Thailand has responded by tightening border controls, limiting crossings, and restricting Thai nationals from entering Cambodia for work or tourism.
Cambodia has now submitted the disputed areas to the ICJ for arbitration. Thailand, however, maintains that it does not recognize the court’s jurisdiction over the matter and insists on resolving disputes through bilateral mechanisms, including the joint boundary committee established in 2000. The next round of bilateral talks is scheduled for September.
The centuries-old rivalry between Cambodia and Thailand has deep cultural and historical roots. In addition to territorial disputes, both countries have clashed over traditional heritage, such as dance, clothing, and cuisine, often exacerbating diplomatic strains.
Cambodia’s latest move to internationalize the dispute reflects growing frustration with the slow progress of bilateral negotiations. The government has also sought to galvanize public support through nationalistic demonstrations, positioning itself as the protector of Cambodian sovereignty.
As tensions persist, both nations face pressure to balance nationalist demands with diplomatic resolution to prevent the risk of further conflict.
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