Thailand-Cambodia Clashes Over 1,100-Yr-Old Lord Shiva Temple? Lesser-Known Truths About Dispute

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Preah Vihear temple is located between Cambodia's Preah Vihear province and Thailand's Sisaket province in a mountainous area claimed by both countries.
The 800 kilometres (roughly) border between Thailand and Cambodia has long been a source of tension and rivalry. Once again, violence has erupted, and at least 15 people, most of them civilians, have been killed as clashes continue. In response to the renewed conflict, Thailand has reportedly evacuated over 1,00,000 people from four provinces near the border.
With both sides blaming each other, this isn't the first time tensions have escalated in the region. Among the areas of contention is the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple.
What Is The Bone Of Contention?
Preah Vihear temple is a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, perched atop the Dangrek mountain range along the Thailand-Cambodia border. The temple lies between Cambodia's Preah Vihear province and Thailand's Sisaket province in a mountainous area claimed by both countries.
The issue goes back to a 1907 map drawn during the French colonial rule of Cambodia. Cambodia uses this map to assert its claim over the temple and its surrounding areas. But Thailand says the map is unclear and was never officially accepted.
In 1962, Cambodia took the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which ruled in its favour. The court declared that the temple was located within Cambodian territory. But Thailand argued that the area surrounding the temple, about 4.6 square kilometres, remained unsettled.
In 2008, Cambodia successfully got the Preah Vihear temple listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a move that angered Thailand and reignited tensions. Deadly clashes occurred in 2011, which killed at least 15 people and displaced thousands.
The conflict was again brought before the ICJ, which in 2013 reaffirmed Cambodia's sovereignty, not just over the temple itself but also over the surrounding land. The court also proposed the creation of a demilitarised zone around the site to prevent further violence. However, according to the Associated Press, that decision was never implemented. Thailand later rejected the court's jurisdiction, and the dispute remains unresolved.
Who Built The Temple And Its India Connection
The Preah Vihear Temple traces its origins to the 9th century AD though the main structure seen today was largely built in the 11th century during the peak of the Khmer Empire. According to History Site, construction was initiated under King Suryavarman I (1002–1050) and later expanded by King Suryavarman II (1113–1150).
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is a standout example of classical Khmer architecture. The main shrine, Prasat Ta Muen Thom, is constructed from sandstone and houses a shivalinga along with libraries, as per The Indian Express. The larger complex also includes Prasat Ta Muen, a Mahayana Buddhist site built to offer refuge to travellers, and Prasat Ta Muen Tot, a hospital shrine serving the local community.
In 2018, India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cambodia to assist in the restoration and preservation of an ancient Lord Shiva temple, which is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Claims Of National Pride And Politics By Both Countries
The Preah Vihear temple is very important to both Cambodia and Thailand. For Cambodia, it is a symbol of its rich history and Khmer culture. It is seen as one of the most spiritually important places in the country.
For Thailand, the issue is about more than just land. Many nationalist groups believe the area near the temple belongs to Thailand. They feel that giving it up would be a loss of Thai territory and pride.
One major problem is the unclear border. Even though both countries have signed several agreements, they still do not fully agree on where the border lies, especially near the temple. Talks and meetings have been held many times, but both sides still send their soldiers to patrol the area. This often leads to more tension and conflict.
Disputes involving borders and historical landmarks are not limited to Southeast Asia. Across the world, many nations continue to face similar disputes.
India and China: India and China have had a long-running border dispute along the Himalayan region. The disagreements involve areas like Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh. Differences over old colonial-era maps and the historical importance of the area have kept the tensions going.
Israel and Palestine: The two have been in conflict for many years because both sides claim the same land. This includes places that are important to their history and religion, especially in Jerusalem.
Russia and Ukraine: The recent conflict between the two stems from historical claims and national identity associated with the Donbas region and Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014.
Ethiopia and Eritrea: Even with improved relations, Ethiopia and Eritrea still have ongoing issues over some border demarcation.
Georgia and Azerbaijan: These two countries have a dispute over the David-Gareja monastery complex, which lies on their shared border.
Pakistan and Afghanistan: The Durand Line, drawn during British rule, has long been a point of tension between the two countries.
Sudan and South Sudan: The Abyei region is still a matter of dispute between the two countries. After South Sudan gained independence, both sides have continued to claim this area.
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Delhi, India, India
First Published:
July 25, 2025, 12:43 IST
News viral Thailand-Cambodia Clashes Over 1,100-Yr-Old Lord Shiva Temple? Lesser-Known Truths About Dispute
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