Thailand and Cambodia, two Buddhist-majority kingdoms with deep cultural and historical ties, share an 817-kilometer border. Their territorial boundaries were formalized through the Franco-Siamese treaties of 1904 and 1907. While the two nations share many similarities, disputes over territorial demarcation and cultural heritage sites have frequently strained their relationship, often inflaming nationalist passions on both sides.

The shared frontier includes 17 official border crossings, connecting seven Thai provinces with Cambodia. However, disputes over the Ta Moan Thom Temple have recently heightened tensions between the two nations’ militaries. Both Thailand and Cambodia claim the ancient temple, and the rising hostility risks destabilizing not only their bilateral relationship but also solidarity within ASEAN, which is already grappling with the Myanmar crisis.

In February, an incident at the border escalated tensions after Cambodian personnel and their families visited an ancient temple and sang their national anthem. The event was recorded, went viral on social media, and drew criticism from Thai authorities, who called it inappropriate. In response, Thai nationalist groups carried out similar ceremonies, including singing their........

© Blitz