Border Dispute and Political Feud Between Thailand and Cambodia
Introduction
The border between Thailand and Cambodia has been a contentious issue for years, with occasional conflicts flaring up between the two neighboring countries. However, the most recent fight has a deeper root cause - a political feud between the two nations. This feud has not only strained the relationship between the two countries, but it has also shattered an old friendship that was once strong.
History of Conflict
The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia dates back to the colonial era, when the French drew up the border between the two countries. Over the years, several clashes have occurred, with both sides claiming ownership over the Preah Vihear temple. In 2011, the International Court of Justice ruled in favor of Cambodia, but tensions have still remained high between the two countries.
The Political Feud
The recent fight at the border is a result of a political feud between the two nations. In 2019, Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was accused of manipulating the election to maintain his grip on power. This led to a fallout between him and his Cambodian counterpart, Hun Sen, who has been in power for over 35 years. The strained relationship between the two leaders has now spilled over into the border dispute, causing further tensions between the two countries.
Conclusion
The ongoing political feud has not only affected
About the People Mentioned
Prayut Chan-o-cha
Prayut Chan-o-cha, born on March 21, 1954, is a retired general of the Royal Thai Army and a prominent Thai politician. He served as the 29th Prime Minister of Thailand from 2014 until his retirement in 2023. Before his political career, Prayut was the commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Army. In 2014, amid prolonged political unrest and protests against the government, Prayut led a military coup that ousted the elected administration. Following the coup on May 22, 2014, he became the acting premier and later was officially appointed prime minister on August 24, 2014. His government imposed martial law and restricted political freedoms, including curbing freedom of speech and detaining critics and activists. Prayut’s administration focused on maintaining stability, upholding the monarchy, fighting corruption, ending human trafficking, and addressing the Muslim insurgency in southern Thailand. Under his leadership, Thailand experienced economic growth with increased exports and tourism, along with major infrastructure projects like the Eastern Economic Corridor. Despite pledges to return the country to democratic rule, Prayut remained in power through a military-backed constitution and political mechanisms that secured his premiership in 2019. His tenure faced significant protests demanding democratic reforms. After the 2023 general election, which saw a reformist party win decisively, Prayut announced his retirement from politics in July 2023 and stepped down as leader of the United Thai Nation Party. He was succeeded as prime minister by Srettha Thavisin and later appointed as a Privy Councilor, serving as an advisor to the king. Prayut remains a notable figure in Thailand’s contemporary political history due to his military background, coup leadership, and extended premiership during a turbulent period for the country[1][2][3][4].
Hun Sen
Hun Sen is a Cambodian politician who served as the Prime Minister of Cambodia from 1985 until 2023, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in the world. Born on August 5, 1952, in Kampong Cham province, he rose to prominence during the late 1970s after fleeing the Khmer Rouge regime and aligning with Vietnam. Following the Vietnamese invasion that ended the Khmer Rouge’s rule in 1979, Hun Sen became Cambodia’s Foreign Minister and later was appointed Prime Minister in 1985 by the Vietnam-backed government[1][2][3]. Throughout his premiership, Hun Sen was a central figure in Cambodia’s transition from conflict to relative stability. He played a key role in negotiating peace agreements, including the Paris Peace Accords of 1991, which led to U.N.-supervised elections in 1993. Despite losing the initial elections to the royalist FUNCINPEC party, Hun Sen leveraged political and military influence to remain in power through coalitions and eventually consolidated sole leadership following a violent coup against Prince Norodom Ranariddh in 1997. His Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) consistently won subsequent elections, maintaining political dominance[2][3][4]. Hun Sen is credited with overseeing Cambodia’s economic reforms, transitioning the country from a socialist economy to a market-oriented one, which facilitated economic growth and reintegration into the international system. However, his tenure was also marked by accusations of authoritarianism, repression of opposition, electoral manipulation, and corruption[1][5][6]. After stepping down as Prime Minister in 2023, Hun Sen continued his political influence as the President of the Cambodian People’s Party and became the President of the Senate in 2024, maintaining a significant role in Cambodia’s political landscape[2][3]. His long rule has made him a key figure in Southeast Asian politics, known for balancing relations between Vietnam and China[6].
About the Organizations Mentioned
International Court of Justice
The **International Court of Justice (ICJ)** is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, established in 1945 under the UN Charter and beginning its work in 1946. Located in The Hague, Netherlands, the ICJ settles legal disputes between states and provides advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by UN organs and specialized agencies. It is the only international court with general jurisdiction to adjudicate disputes between countries, making its rulings a primary source of international law[1][2][5]. The Court comprises **15 independent judges** elected for nine-year terms by the UN General Assembly and Security Council. Judges represent a global regional balance and do not act as representatives of their own states. States party to a case may appoint an ad hoc judge for that specific case, who holds the same powers as permanent judges during proceedings[2][4]. The ICJ's jurisdiction is twofold: *contentious jurisdiction*, where it resolves disputes between consenting states regarding international law issues, and *advisory jurisdiction*, where it issues legal opinions on questions posed by UN bodies or specialized agencies[1][3]. Only states may be parties in contentious cases, and jurisdiction depends on their consent, often via treaties or declarations accepting the Court’s authority[3][5]. Since its inception, the ICJ has handled over 160 cases, including significant disputes concerning territorial sovereignty, maritime boundaries, and treaty interpretations. Notable advisory opinions have influenced international legal norms and UN policy, such as opinions on decolonization and use of force. While ICJ rulings are binding on parties involved, enforcement relies on UN mechanisms and political will, as the Court lacks direct enforcement power[2][5]. For business and technology sectors, the ICJ’s role in clarifying international legal frameworks impacts cross-border disputes, sovereignty issues affecting global trade, and the development of international law that underpins regulatory environments. Its influence helps stabilize legal expectations among states, fostering a predictable global environment critical for international business and
