Thailand's Border Violations: A Pattern of Broken Agreements?

The boundary between Cambodia and Siam, clearly established by the Franco–Siamese Treaties of 1904 and 1907, is once again a point of contention, with Cambodia accusing Thailand of repeatedly violating past agreements and encroaching on its territory. Historically, during World War II, Siam, aligning with Imperial Japan, occupied parts of Cambodian territory. Following the Axis powers' defeat in 1945, Siam was compelled by the Allied powers to return these occupied lands. After Cambodia's independence from France in 1953, Thai troops occupied the area around the Temple of Preah Vihear in 1954. In 1962, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that the temple falls under Cambodian sovereignty and ordered Thailand to withdraw its forces. During periods of internal conflict in Cambodia, Thailand is alleged to have unilaterally produced 1:50,000-scale maps, advancing its claimed boundary into Cambodian territory. Despite the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in 2000 and 2001 regarding land boundary demarcation and overlapping maritime claims, armed conflict erupted between 2008 and 2013. Further clashes occurred in July 2025, leading to an immediate ceasefire agreement in Malaysia. Subsequently, on October 26, 2025, the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord was signed by the prime ministers of both nations. However, in December 2025, Cambodian territory was reportedly attacked again, with Cambodian officials alleging Thai air strikes caused civilian casualties, displacement, and extensive damage to infrastructure. Cambodia claims Thai troops remain in occupied Cambodian territory, where shipping containers and razor wire have been erected, preventing Cambodian civilians from accessing their homes and property. Cambodia argues that these events, occurring despite existing peace and ceasefire agreements, highlight a pattern of Thai conduct that dismantles agreed-upon negotiation mechanisms while accusing Cambodia of refusing dialogue. Cambodia maintains it seeks a peaceful resolution based on international law, not coercion or unilateral actions stemming from perceived military or economic superiority.