Why Thailand and Cambodia are fighting over an ancient temple—and what China has to do with it

Thailand Cambodia conflict

A deadly border confrontation between Cambodia and Thailand on Thursday resulted in the deaths of at least 12 people and displaced thousands, the most severe fighting in over a decade along the border between the two nations. Months of mounting tension came to a head near the disputed ancient temple of Prasat Ta Muen Thom on the disputed border. The combat is now drawing in regional powers—and exposing Southeast Asia's diplomatic fault lines, the New York Times reported.

What prompted the border violence on Thursday?

Each blamed the other for initiating fire. Thailand accused Cambodia of firing rockets into four Thai provinces, prompting retaliatory air strikes. Cambodia accused Thai troops of firing first in the vicinity of the Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple and Cambodian troops firing back 15 minutes later. The result: at least 11 Thai civilians and one Thai soldier killed, dozens wounded, and thousands forced to flee. Cambodia has not yet confirmed its own list of casualties.

Why was Thailand's prime minister suspended on this?

Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended by the court on July 1 following an outburst of anger over a leaked phone call with Cambodia's Hun Sen, who is closely associated with her family's politics. In the call, Paetongtarn came across as being too obsequious and denigrating of her own armed forces, and the streets of Bangkok erupted in mass protests. Following her apology, public indignation led to her temporary dismissal a few months into office.

What is Prasat Ta Muen Thom and why does it make a difference?

Prasat Ta Muen Thom is a temple long claimed by both nations, centuries ago, in Thailand's Surin province on the border with Cambodia. It was part of the ancient Khmer Empire, and the cultural heritage of the region intersects with that of Cambodia, where Khmer is the national language. Disputes over temples like this one—and neighbouring Preah Vihear—have been the cause of ongoing confrontations over the years. Although the International Court of Justice granted Cambodia ownership of Preah Vihear in 1962, bordering land remains contentious.

Where does China fit into all of this?

China is Thailand's and Cambodia's largest trade partner, and has made the most investment in infrastructure in both countries. It is building a rail link in Thailand and an airport and highway in Cambodia. While with American influence on the decline—partly from threatened tariffs on both countries' imports—Beijing has served as a key facilitator. China's foreign minister recently met with Cambodian officials and vowed to play a "constructive role" in brokering a resolution to the standoff.

How old is the Thailand-Cambodia conflict?

The roots of this war go back more than a century, to a French colonial map drawn in 1907 that the two countries have contradictory understandings of. While periodic outbursts have occurred ever since, deadly serious conflict last erupted in 2011. The disputed border disputes, national pride, and unexecuted court rulings have kept the war simmering, and Thursday's violence shows how it can flare up again at a moments' notice—with local powers like China now entering the middle.