Cambodia, Thailand Impose Fresh Curbs Amid Escalating Border Dispute

The dispute between the Southeast Asian neighbouring countries of Thailand and Cambodia has escalated, with both countries imposing restrictions on citizens’ and tourists' travel to other countries.  

The bilateral relationship has hit a new low over a bitter border dispute on 28 May 2025, when an armed clash broke out between the border guards of both countries, in which one Cambodian soldier was killed.

Since then, the two countries have imposed punitive measures on each other. Cambodia has banned imports from Thailand, ranging from fruit and vegetables to electricity and internet, as well as Thai dramas and films.

Thailand has also imposed restrictions on citizens and tourists visiting Cambodia through land borders. Foreign tourists visiting Cambodia from Thailand by air are also banned from leaving Thailand.

Background to the Border Dispute between the two countries 

On 28 May 2025, a clash occurred between Cambodia and Thailand's armed forces in the Emerald triangle area. The Emerald triangle refers to the border area shared between the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Cambodia and Thailand. Cambodia and Thailand both claim a part of the Emerald area.

Dispute over Preah Vihear Temple 

Thailand and Cambodia share an 817 km land boundary. The French ruled Cambodia from 1863 to 1953 and drew a boundary between Cambodia and Thailand in 1907.

• Thailand initially accepted the boundary, but later objected to the boundary as the 11th-century Preah Vihear Temple in the Dângrêk Mountains within Cambodian territory.
• Thailand claims the Preah Vihear Temple and its area as its own.
• Cambodia later took the matter to the International Court of Justice in 1959. In its 1962 ruling, the International Court of Justice ruled that the Preah Vihear Temple belonged to Cambodia.
• Thailand has accepted the ruling, but says the area surrounding the temple is still disputed.
• A military clash broke out between the two countries after UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation) granted the Preah Vihear Temple the status of a World Heritage Site in 2008. The conflict lasted for three years..
• The Temple of Preah Vihear is dedicated to Lord Shiva and dates back to the first half of the 11th century AD. 

About Cambodia 

It is a Southeast  Asian nation that was known as the Khmer in ancient times.

It has been a confluence of Indian and Chinese culture.

The world’s largest temple complex, Angkor Wat, is in Cambodia and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is a UNESCO heritage site.

Capital: Phnom Penh

Currency- Riel

Prime Minister- Hun Manet

About Thailand

Thailand is a Southeast Asian nation that was also known as Siam.

It is one of the few Asian countries that has never had European colonial rule.

Capital- Bangkok 

Currency - Baht 

Prime Minister - Ms Paetongtarn Shinawatra