The Preah Vihear conflict is a long-standing territorial dispute between Cambodia and Thailand over the ownership of the ancient Preah Vihear temple and the land surrounding it, located on the border of the two countries in the Dângrêk Mountains.
Here's a summary of the key aspects of the conflict:
- Historical Roots: The dispute has its origins in border settlements made between France (as the colonial power in Cambodia) and Siam (Thailand) in the early 20th century, specifically the Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1904 and subsequent maps. A 1907 French map, which placed Preah Vihear on the Cambodian side of the border, is a central point of contention.
- 1962 International Court of Justice (ICJ) Ruling: After Cambodia gained independence, Thailand occupied Preah Vihear in 1954. Cambodia brought the case to the ICJ, which, in 1962, ruled that the temple was "situated in territory under the sovereignty of Cambodia." The Court largely based its decision on Thailand's prior acceptance of the 1907 map.
- Resurfacing of Tensions (2008 onwards): Despite the 1962 ruling, the frontier around the temple remained disputed. Tensions flared again in 2008 when Cambodia sought to register Preah Vihear as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thailand objected, arguing that the application referred to land around the temple that it claimed as its own. This led to military confrontations and skirmishes along the border between 2008 and 2011, resulting in casualties on both sides.
- Domestic Politics: The conflict has often been exacerbated by domestic politics in both countries, particularly in Thailand, where nationalist factions have used the issue to gain political leverage.
- 2013 ICJ Clarification: Following renewed violence, Cambodia sought further clarification from the ICJ in 2011 regarding its 1962 ruling. In 2013, the ICJ reinforced Cambodia's ownership of the temple and further clarified that Cambodia had rights to part of the land around the temple, instructing Thailand to withdraw from the vicinity.
While diplomatic relations have generally improved since the intense clashes of 2008-2011, the underlying issues related to border demarcation and national identity remain a source of potential friction between Cambodia and Thailand.
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