Why Two Buddhist Nations Are Fighting Over a Hindu Temple

Old border disputes between Thailand and Cambodia have often led to violent clashes over a century. The latest conflict threatens to weaken China's hand in the region

- PINAK RANJAN CHAKRAVARTY

Cambodia and Thailand suddenly degenerated into a military conflict when the world's eyes were firmly on Gaza. The conflict jolted ASEAN, the regional association focused largely on economic issues. A shooting war over a dispute that includes the ownership of an 11th-century Hindu temple—Preah Vihar, a Unesco heritage site perched on a hilltop overlooking the two Buddhist-majority countries—was unexpected.

Direct talks between the Thai and Cambodian prime ministers, mediated by the Malaysian PM, have resulted in an unconditional ceasefire, though Thailand had earlier rejected third-party mediation. Cambodia alleged that Thailand had agreed to a Malaysian proposal but then backed off, possibly owing to pressure from the Thai military. The Thai foreign minister made the ceasefire conditional on Cambodia showing "genuine sincerity in ending the conflict" and indicated his country was open to dialogue.

The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting to discuss the situation; China and the US also offered to mediate. For Donald Trump, it was yet another opportunity to grandly announce that he had called upon both countries to accept a ceasefire and threatened to withhold trade deals if they didn't comply. He added slyly that he was reminded of his role in the India-Pakistan ceasefire. Trump seems desperate to shore up his peacemaking credentials that have been severely dented by his failure in Ukraine and Gaza despite threats and deadlines.