Perched atop the Dângrêk Mountains, the Preah Vihear Temple is not just an ancient architectural wonder—it’s a symbol of Southeast Asia’s cultural pride and a flashpoint in the long-standing Thailand-Cambodia war. This sacred site, once echoing with prayers to Shiva, now resounds with the tremors of geopolitical rivalry, regional nationalism, and military tension between Thailand and Cambodia.
In 2025, as clashes intensify near the Thailand-Cambodia border, the temple once again becomes a frontline in a conflict steeped in history, identity, and global strategy.
Sacred History of Preah Vihear Temple
Constructed during the 9th to 12th centuries under the Khmer Empire, the Preah Vihear Temple was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The temple’s dramatic location—on a 525-meter-high cliff on the Cambodia-Thailand border—was no accident. Its alignment with Hindu cosmology, especially Mount Meru, made it a spiritual epicenter.
Originally a Hindu sanctuary, the Preah Vihear Temple absorbed Buddhist influences over centuries and today serves both religious communities. Its intricate sandstone carvings, five sanctuaries, and 800-meter-long axis have earned it global acclaim.
UNESCO designated the site a World Heritage Site in 2008, recognizing its architectural brilliance and religious depth (UNESCO).
Colonial Maps and the Origins of the Thailand-Cambodia Border Dispute
The current Thailand-Cambodia border dispute can be traced back to colonial times. In 1904, France (then ruling Cambodia) and Siam (now Thailand) agreed that the watershed line of the Dângrêk Mountains would form the border. However, French surveyors placed the Preah Vihear Temple on the Cambodian side in a 1907 map, sparking controversy.
After France withdrew in 1954, Thailand occupied the temple. In response, Cambodia filed a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). In a landmark 1962 ruling, the ICJ declared that the Preah Vihear Temple belongs to Cambodia (ICJ Official Ruling).
Despite the ruling, ambiguity around adjacent land left tensions unresolved. This Cambodia-Thailand war may not be conventional, but it remains deadly.
UNESCO Recognition and Renewed War
The 2008 UNESCO listing of Preah Vihear Temple reignited the feud. Thailand, fearing this bolstered Cambodia’s claim to the surrounding territory, launched diplomatic protests followed by military action. Skirmishes escalated into exchanges of gunfire, resulting in casualties on both sides (Reuters).
In 2011, Cambodia again appealed to the ICJ. By 2013, the court reaffirmed Cambodian sovereignty over the Preah Vihear Temple and called for Thai military withdrawal. However, border troops remained, and sporadic fighting continued.
In 2025, the situation has flared again. The Thailand and Cambodia war, once quiet, has turned violent—claiming lives and displacing civilians.
Nationalism, Identity, and the Temple
For both nations, Preah Vihear Temple has become a powerful nationalist symbol.
In Cambodia, the temple is seen as a spiritual inheritance from the glorious Khmer Empire and a symbol of resistance against external encroachment.
In Thailand, it is perceived by many as part of Thai heritage, unjustly “taken” due to colonial manipulation.
Both countries have used the temple in domestic politics. Leaders often invoke the Thailand vs Cambodia narrative to unify public sentiment and deflect attention from internal issues. As a result, temples like Preah Vihear become not just monuments but pawns in the great game of Thailand-Cambodia war politics.
Is This a Proxy War Between China and the U.S.?
Cambodia’s Close Ties with China
Cambodia has increasingly aligned itself with China over the past decade. From ports to highways to digital infrastructure, Chinese investment has become ubiquitous in Cambodia. Beijing has also provided Cambodia with diplomatic backing in regional disputes—including the one over Preah Vihear Temple (Al Jazeera).
This support emboldens Cambodia in the Cambodia-Thailand war, as it feels shielded by a powerful ally.
Thailand’s Strategic Alignment with the U.S.
Thailand, while maintaining trade with China, is a long-time ally of the United States. The Thai military collaborates closely with American forces in joint exercises like “Cobra Gold.” In recent months, Washington has increased its presence in Southeast Asia to counter Beijing’s influence.
What looks like a territorial scuffle between Thailand and Cambodia could well be a proxy war—with the Preah Vihear Temple as its symbolic frontline.
Timeline of Major Events at Preah Vihear Temple
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 9th century | A Khmer hermitage is established at the Preah Vihear site, marking its early religious significance. |
| 889–910 CE | Major construction of the temple complex begins under King Yasovarman I during the height of the Khmer Empire. |
| 1907 | A Franco-Siamese treaty and French colonial map place the temple within Cambodian territory. |
| 1954 | Thai military forces occupy the temple following France’s withdrawal from Indochina. |
| 1962 | The International Court of Justice (ICJ) rules that Preah Vihear Temple is located in Cambodia, ordering Thailand to withdraw. |
| 2008 | UNESCO designates Preah Vihear a World Heritage Site, sparking renewed tensions and armed clashes along the border. |
| 2013 | The ICJ reaffirms Cambodia’s sovereignty over the temple and surrounding areas, though parts of the adjacent land remain disputed. |
| 2025 | Intense border fighting erupts between Thailand and Cambodia, displacing hundreds of thousands. A ceasefire is declared on July 28 following international mediation. |
Present-Day Significance
Religious Function
Despite its militarized setting, the Preah Vihear Temple is still active. Monks reside at the site, and religious rituals continue, albeit amid sandbags and barbed wire.
Cultural Heritage
The Preah Vihear Temple remains a treasure of Cambodian and Southeast Asian heritage. Its layered architecture, spiritual symbolism, and dramatic location offer insights into ancient beliefs and imperial grandeur.
Tourism and Preservation
Although the area is politically unstable, efforts to preserve the temple persist. Both Cambodia and international organizations strive to protect its fragile structure from the dual threats of time and conflict (Global Heritage Fund).
Thailand News and International Response
International media, including BBC and Al Jazeera, have reported growing concerns over the recent Thailand news regarding border militarization. U.S. diplomats have called for restraint, while ASEAN remains largely passive.
China, for its part, has supported Cambodia’s position without direct military involvement. Analysts believe that further escalation could destabilize the entire region, particularly if regional players like Vietnam or Laos are drawn in.
Thailand-Cambodia Border Conflict: July 2025 Ceasefire Update
As of July 28, 2025, Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an “immediate and unconditional” ceasefire following weeks of intense armed conflict along their disputed border. This development comes after mounting international pressure and diplomatic mediation led by Malaysia, China, and the United States, with additional influence reportedly exerted by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
The Recent Escalation
The conflict intensified between late May and July, with both countries exchanging airstrikes, rocket attacks, and artillery fire. In response to what it claimed were Cambodian incursions, Thailand launched Operation Yuttha Bodin, a military campaign aimed at securing the contested region. Each side has accused the other of initiating hostilities, and the situation quickly spiraled into one of the region’s worst border clashes in recent years.
The fighting has displaced more than 300,000 civilians and resulted in numerous casualties on both sides, raising humanitarian concerns and prompting calls for urgent de-escalation.
Ongoing Tensions Despite the Ceasefire
While the ceasefire is now officially in place, tensions remain high. Shortly after it took effect, Thailand accused Cambodia of violating the truce, allegations that Cambodia has strongly denied. Military commanders from both countries met in the border town of Osmach to reaffirm their commitment to halting troop movements and avoiding further escalation. However, trust between the two sides remains fragile.
The Heart of the Dispute: Ancient Temples and Border Claims
At the core of this conflict lies a long-standing territorial dispute involving ancient temple sites, including the Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These religious and historical landmarks sit in a strategically sensitive border zone and have long been flashpoints for nationalist rhetoric and military confrontation.
A 1962 ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) awarded Preah Vihear to Cambodia, but surrounding land remains disputed, leading to recurring flare-ups. According to the BBC (source), previous clashes in the same area have followed similar patterns of short-term ceasefires followed by renewed tensions, often driven by unresolved nationalist grievances.
Expert Caution Over Long-Term Stability
Despite this latest ceasefire, analysts remain cautious. The situation is highly volatile, with deep-seated mistrust, strong nationalist sentiments, and the lack of a mutually recognized border agreement posing serious challenges to a lasting peace. While diplomacy has bought both countries some breathing room, meaningful resolution will require sustained negotiations and likely international arbitration.
Conclusion: A Temple at the Crossroads of War and Fragile Peace
The Preah Vihear Temple is more than an architectural marvel—it is a symbol shaped by centuries of spiritual reverence, imperial legacy, and modern geopolitical struggle.
The conflict between Cambodia and Thailand is not only about land, but about identity, history, and power. As regional and global actors like China and the United States step in, the temple has come to represent more than heritage; it now stands at the edge of fragile diplomacy and unresolved national pride.
The July 2025 ceasefire offers a pause—but not a resolution. The calm is tenuous, and the issues at the heart of the conflict remain unaddressed. Still, there is hope that dialogue can prevail over confrontation, and that the cliffs of Dângrêk may once again serve as a sanctuary—not for soldiers, but for pilgrims, historians, and peace itself.
FAQs
Q1: What is the Preah Vihear Temple?
The Preah Vihear Temple is an ancient Khmer Hindu temple on the Cambodia-Thailand border, known for its stunning cliffside location and spiritual architecture.
Q2: Why is there a war between Thailand and Cambodia?
The conflict stems from disputed territory around the Preah Vihear Temple and unresolved colonial-era border demarcations, worsened by nationalist politics.
Q3: Who currently controls Preah Vihear Temple?
According to ICJ rulings in 1962 and 2013, Cambodia controls the temple, although Thailand disputes the surrounding land.
Q4: Is the Thailand-Cambodia border safe for tourists?
Due to ongoing military clashes and political tensions, the area near the Preah Vihear Temple is considered unsafe for tourists without official clearance.
Q5: Is this a proxy war between China and the U.S.?
Yes. Cambodia is closely aligned with China, while Thailand maintains strong U.S. military ties, making the border dispute part of broader geopolitical rivalries.