Here Is A timeline Of The Thailand-Cambodia Border Tensions

Thailand and Cambodia are once again locked in a tense and deadly border conflict, this time centred around the ancient Preah Vihear Temple. What began as a historic territorial dispute has escalated into a full-blown military standoff, with deadly consequences and a massive blow to Southeast Asia’s fragile tourism economy.

Here is a timeline of the Thailand-Cambodia border conflict and its impact on tourism:

Early 1900s

• Cambodia, under French colonial rule, and Siam (modern-day Thailand) signed border treaties.

• In 1907, French surveyors created a map placing the Preah Vihear Temple within Cambodian territory.

• The temple sat on a cliff accessible only from the Thai side — this geographical detail later fueled Thailand’s objections.

1953–1962

• After Cambodia gained independence in 1953, Thailand occupied the temple.

• Cambodia filed a case with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 1959.

• In 1962, the ICJ ruled in Cambodia’s favour, declaring the temple Cambodian — though it didn’t clarify who controlled the 4.6 sq km surrounding land.

• Thailand withdrew its troops, but disputes over the area remained unresolved.

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2008–2011

• UNESCO designated Preah Vihear as a World Heritage Site in 2008, recognising Cambodia as its guardian.

• Thailand opposed the move, triggering nationalist protests and military build-ups.

• Several border clashes between 2008 and 2011 caused deaths, evacuations, and even damage to the temple.

• Tensions transformed into an emotional matter of national pride and politics.

2013

• Cambodia returned to the ICJ to seek clarification on the surrounding territory.

• The court ruled the entire promontory around the temple belonged to Cambodia, ordering Thailand to withdraw troops.

• Though legally resolved, emotional and political tensions persisted.

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Before July 2025

• Thailand’s tourism industry was already struggling due to safety concerns:

  • Reports of scam centres near the Myanmar border.

  • The kidnapping of Chinese actor Wang Xing in January 2025 went viral, leading to mass travel cancellations.

• Foreign tourist arrivals dropped 14% in May 2025, the fourth consecutive monthly decline.

Mid-July 2025

• Military tensions reignited over the border zone near Preah Vihear.

• Thai soldiers were injured by landmines. Thailand accused Cambodia of laying them — Cambodia denied responsibility.

• The situation escalated quickly.

July 23–24, 2025

• Full-scale clashes broke out along the border.

• Cambodia used truck-mounted rocket launchers, while Thailand deployed F-16 fighter jets for airstrikes.

• At least 15 civilians killed, mostly on the Thai side.

• Over 130,000 Thai residents and 12,000 Cambodian families were evacuated.

• Thailand recalled its ambassador from Phnom Penh and expelled Cambodia’s envoy.

July 24–25, 2025

• India, the UK, and other nations issued travel advisories, warning citizens to avoid high-risk provinces.

• Thai border provinces like Aranyaprathet, Ta Phraya, and Khlong Hat (Sa Kaeo) faced booking cancellations and steep drops in footfall.

• Hotel occupancy and flight bookings fell across the region.

• The ongoing violence deepened fears that Thailand would miss its 2025 tourism targets, jeopardising a key pillar of its economy.