- Though the major differences between Thailand and Cambodia are not new, the issue centres around a territorial dispute concerning the Preah Vihear Temple, situated in the inland region of Cambodia.
- Thailand conducted an airstrike inside Cambodian territory, to which Cambodia responded by mobilising tanks and military arsenals, while reports also emerged of Thai soldiers entering Highway 62, a route connecting to the Preah Vihear Temple.
- With both Myanmar, facing an ongoing domestic crisis since 2021 and Thailand now embroiled in turmoil, the instability within these BIMSTEC member nations presents a significant concern for India’s strategic interests.
Southeast Asia, which is known for its political stability, has been witnessing a major war between two countries—and this time, it is between nations not necessarily known for their strategic differences: Thailand and Cambodia. Both countries are typically known for their friendly tourist destinations, but are now in the spotlight for the wrong reasons.
Though the major differences between Thailand and Cambodia are not new, the issue centres around a territorial dispute concerning the Preah Vihear Temple, situated in the inland region of Cambodia. Both Thailand and Cambodia claim ownership of the temple, which has led to a series of conflicts.
It all started last month when a Cambodian border guard was shot dead by Thai border forces. As a result, there has been heavy military deployment on both sides. Adding another interesting angle is the political situation in Thailand. The Prime Minister of Thailand, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has been dismissed by the Supreme Court. Her father and the father of Cambodia’s incoming President are old friends—a relationship that dates back to 2006, when an attempted coup in Thailand led then-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to take refuge in Cambodia.
Recently, a telephonic conversation between the current Prime Minister of Thailand and the former President of Cambodia has sparked further controversy. This has led to massive protests on the streets of Thailand, with people demanding the Prime Minister’s resignation.
The issue escalated yesterday when Thailand conducted an airstrike inside Cambodian territory. In response, Cambodia has mobilised tanks and military arsenals in the region. It has also been reported that Thai soldiers have entered Highway 62, which connects to the Preah Vihear Temple.
Amid the ongoing tensions, it is important to note that the clash is occurring near the Chinese border. Cambodia is a close ally of China, with Chinese investments in the country exceeding $10 billion. Any instability in the region is indirectly a threat to China’s presence, as it considers Southeast Asia to be its strategic backyard.
Meanwhile, the United States of America could benefit from these developments, as it seeks to capitalise on regional differences. For India, however, this is a matter of concern. India views BIMSTEC as a major strategic platform to connect with Southeast Asia. With both Myanmar, facing an ongoing domestic crisis since 2021 and Thailand now embroiled in turmoil, the instability within these BIMSTEC member nations presents a significant concern for India’s strategic interests
Aayush Pal is a freelance writer on contemporary geopolitical developments. The views expressed in his work are entirely his own.
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Parag Gilada