In the most recent escalation of the continuous border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, the two countries exchanged fire today, Thursday, and accusations also in a new round of escalation of clashes in a disputed border area, and each party accused the other that he was the one who started shooting. What are the roots of the conflict?
The following lines are trying to shed light on these long -term border conflicts, which cause periodic tensions between the two neighbors.
Colonial heritage
For more than 100 years, Thailand and Cambodia are fighting sovereignty over points that have not been demarcated along their wild borders along 817 km, which led to skirmishes over several years.
The disputed claims greatly stem from a map drawn in 1907 under French colonial rule, and was used to separate Cambodia from Thailand.
Cambodia uses this map as a reference to demand land, while Thailand argues that the map is inaccurate.
The most prominent and violent conflicts revolved around the Briah Buddhist Temple, which dates back a thousand years.
In 1962, the International Court of Justice granted sovereignty over the temple region of Cambodia, but this ruling became a great source of inconvenience in bilateral relations.
Cambodia returned to the court in 2011, after several clashes between its army and the Thai forces, killing about 20 people and displacing thousands.
Cambodia returned to the International Court to resolve its border disputes, and the court reaffirmed the ruling in favor of Cambodia in 2013, but Thailand rejected the jurisdiction of the court.
How to renew the conflict?
The conflict was caught last May after the Thai armed forces and Kambudia exchanged fire for a short period in a relatively small and disputed border area, each country claims its ownership of it and killed one Cambodian soldier, and the two sides stated that they were self -defense.
The two countries later announced that they agreed to calm the situation, but they continued to threaten measures that did not include the use of armed force, which kept the tensions high.
Thailand imposed severe restrictions on the border with Cambodia, which led to almost all crossings, except for students, patients and other basic needs. Today, Thursday, the Thai authorities announced the closure of the border completely.
Cambodia also banned Thai films and TV programs, stopped importing fuel, Thai fruits and vegetables, and boycotted some international internet connections and energy supplies from its neighbor.
The curse of “Uncle”
The national feelings on both sides fueled the situation, and the Prime Minister of Thailand, Payetongarne Chinawatra, suspended her position on July 1 to investigate her in possible ethical violations related to her dealings with the border conflict.
This came after a leaked phone call with a high -ranking Cambodian leader last June, in which she described Petongonzon, former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen as “Uncle”. The Thai military leadership criticized this description, considered it unauthorized, and harmed national sovereignty.
A number of conservative Senate members also filed a lawsuit accusing the Prime Minister of violating ministerial ethics. Conservative deputies accuse Betongarin of submitting to Cambodia, undermining the army and violating constitutional articles that require “clear integrity” and “moral standards” among ministers.
The leaked call sparked widespread anger and protests. The Payetongarin coalition, led by the Fu Tae party, was weak when it withdrew its second largest partner, Bumgaethai, its support, pointing to its lenient position towards Cambodia.
It is noteworthy that Hoon Manit, whom she described as uncle, was an old friend of her father, Taksin Chinawatra, the former Prime Minister who was popular but divided, but they separated because of the border conflict.
Pitdongarne apologized, confirming that her comments were “negotiating tactics”. While its ally, former defense minister, Fumtam Whitchi, was appointed as the Prime Minister’s actions.
Escalation
In the latest escalation episodes, the Thai police said today, Thursday, the death of 8 civilians and the injury of at least 13 others with artillery and missile fire in 5 different locations in violent clashes that broke out in the border area with Cambodia.
Cambodia reported that it was the Thai forces that started the attack. Where a number of Thai soldiers were wounded yesterday, Wednesday, with landmines in the disputed area. Thailand Cambodia recently accused of mine cultivation.
Prime Minister Hun Manite said today that his country has always sought peaceful solutions, and also asked the UN Security Council to hold an “urgent meeting” with clashes with Thailand due to a border dispute.
As for Thailand, her neighbor Cambodia described today as “inhuman, brutal and thirsty for war”, and accused her of targeting homes and civilian infrastructure with artillery during clashes on disputed borders. Thai government spokesman, Jeraio Hongsop, called on the international community to condemn Cambodia.
