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Picture Courtesy:  INDIAN EXPRESS

Context: 

Thailand's army launched strikes on Cambodian military sites in the disputed border area.

THAILAND-CAMBODIA BORDER CONFLICT

What is happening between Cambodia and Thailand?

Cambodia and Thailand are involved in military clashes along their shared border.  

Both countries have downgraded their diplomatic ties and Thailand has closed its border to Cambodia. 

Cambodia has also imposed economic measures, such as suspending imports of various goods.

Why are these two countries fighting?

The conflict originates from a long-standing territorial dispute, mainly over ancient Hindu temples and sections of their border. 

The roots of this problem go back to the early 20th century when France, as the colonial power in Cambodia, drew a map in 1907 that Thailand disputes. 

• This map placed certain areas, including the Preah Vihear Temple, within Cambodian territory. 

What are the main disputed temples involved in this conflict?

Prasat Ta Muen Thom Temple => Ancient Khmer Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, built in the 11th century under King Udayadityavarman II. 

• It is located on a mountain pass in the Dangrek Mountains, a range forming part of the border between Cambodia and Thailand.
• It is part of a larger complex of three structures, including Prasat Ta Muen (a Buddhist site and rest house) and Prasat Ta Muen Tot (a hospital shrine).
• Both countries claim ownership of this site, and recent clashes started here.

Preah Vihear Temple => Dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on top of a cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains in Cambodia.

• It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The dispute over Preah Vihear is centered on the disputed 1907 map.

What were the earlier steps taken to solve this dispute?

The International Court of Justice (ICJ), judicial body of the United Nations, has ruled on the Preah Vihear Temple dispute multiple times.

• 1962 => The ICJ ruled that the Preah Vihear Temple belongs to Cambodia. Thailand accepted this ruling at the time but still argued about the surrounding land.
• 2008 => Cambodia applied for UNESCO World Heritage status for Preah Vihear. Despite Thai objections about the surrounding land, UNESCO granted the status. This decision led to military clashes.
• 2013 => The ICJ upheld its original decision, stating that the land around the temple also belongs to Cambodia. However, Thailand rejected the ICJ's decision.

How can Cambodia and Thailand resolve this long-standing conflict?

Diplomatic Dialogue => To find common ground

International Law => Respect and adhere to international legal decisions

Clear Border Demarcation => Reduce misunderstandings and potential conflict

Regional Mediation => Organizations like ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) can play a role. 

• ASEAN is a regional body that promotes cooperation and stability among its member states, including Cambodia and Thailand.

Demilitarized Zone => ICJ proposed a demilitarized zone around Preah Vihear in 2013, could reduce military presence and prevent future clashes

Source: INDIAN EXPRESS