Defusing Thai-Cambodian border row

At issue in the ongoing border standoff between the Thai and Cambodian armed forces is timing and circumstance.

- Thitinan Pongsudhirak

In less than two weeks, a seemingly minor border skirmish intensified into a full-scale military confrontation. What is being overlooked in the thick of mutual antagonism and ultranationalism on both sides is when and how the current round of confrontation transpired. Getting its origins right is crucial to finding ways and means for conflict resolution.

In the early hours of May 28, small border units of Thai and Cambodian forces clashed over a forested enclave called Chong Bok in Thailand's northeastern province of Ubon Ratchathani, resulting in the death of one Cambodian soldier. The origins of the shootout go back to simmering tensions since February, when Cambodian troops and their family members reportedly entered the Ta Muen Thom temple in disputed territory and sang the Cambodian national anthem, leading to a brief argument with Thai forces.

It sparked what has degenerated into a full-scale, nationalism-fuelled military and whole-of-society confrontation. Troops, tanks and artillery pieces have been reinforced on opposing positions in a tense and combustible face-off, buttressed by partisan media and public sentiment on both sides. In just over two weeks, Thailand and Cambodia are again at each other's throats over border issues.

The previous flare-ups took place in 2003, 2008 and 2011-13 over the Preah Vihear temple dispute, dating back to 1962 when the International Court of Justice (ICJ) awarded the ancient Hindu shrine to Cambodia.