Border conflict escalates: Thailand sends the military to the Cambodian border!

Border conflict escalates: Thailand sends the military to the Cambodian border!

Thailand, Kambodscha - The tensions on the border between Thailand and Cambodia have increased dramatically in the past few days. Cambodian soldiers and civilians have repeatedly penetrated Thai territory, which is considered a provocation by the Thai army. In response, Thailand plans to take control of all Thai checkpoints on the 817 km long border. De-escalation talks between the two countries have failed so far, and Cambodia has rejected suggestions to calm down the situation on Thursday, as reported by the Kleine Zeitung.

Another aspect of this tense situation is that Cambodia is planning to call the International Court of Justice (IGH) for disputes over four border sections. However, Thailand's defense minister does not recognize the responsibility of the UN court and instead suggests bilateral negotiations to solve the conflicts. Looking back at the history of the dispute over these border zones, it is remarkable that Thailand and Cambodia have been struggling for sovereignty over these controversial areas for over 100 years.

causes of the conflict

The border conflict, which recently broke out, could be due to careless border troops that allegedly ventured into controversial areas. According to reports from n-tv, the fights concentrate on a temple complex, which used to be little attention. Some analysts, including Chhaya Hang, director of the Khmer Institute for Democracy, also suspect domestic motifs in Thailand, since elections are pending nationwide. MP Kraisak Chohoven expresses concerns, but does not give a precise detail.

Speculation about the role of the Thai military is not unfounded. The military could try to demonstrate strength before the elections, which could affect social and political dynamics in Thailand. A remarkable aspect is also the former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who acts out of exile and tries to mobilize the reds. This group is critical of the currently ruling elite in Thailand.

regional instability

In the further context, it should be noted that Thailand is still fighting with considerable regional conflicts, especially in the south of the country. The conflict between the Thai government and separatist movements in the provinces Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Songkhla and Satun continues in 2024. These movements demand the detachment of Thailand and are characterized by acts of violence, bombing and targeted killings, as reported by the [Federal Center for Political Education] (https://www.bpb.de/themen/kiege-konflikte/dossier- wars- conflicts/54695/sued-thailand/)

The ethnic Malays in these regions feel marginalized by the central Thai government. Peace talks were resumed in 2023, but the path to the permanent solution remains challenging. The violent conflict in the south has requested numerous victims since the beginning of the violence spiral in 2004 and is still a central point of uncertainty within the country.

The current tensions between Thailand and Cambodia are therefore not only the result of a historical border dispute, but also an expression of a complex political landscape that includes both national and regional dimensions. The upcoming developments will be decisive for how the situation will develop in the coming weeks and months.