Phnom Penh: Tens of thousands demonstrate support for Cambodian army at Thai border

This morning, a wave of solidarity swept through Phnom Penh as tens of thousands of Cambodians from all walks of life gathered at the Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Center.

This event, a solidarity march organized by the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC), aimed to affirm national unity in support of the royal government's efforts to resolve border disputes and boost the morale of troops on the front lines.

The march began at the Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Center, from where participants marched resolutely toward the iconic Independence Monument. A grand ceremony was held there, marking both the culmination of the day's events and a symbolic reaffirmation of national pride and cohesion.

Before the parade began, the crowd was inspired by the broadcast of heartfelt messages recently delivered by Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen and Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet. These messages emphasized the crucial importance of unity and resilience in the face of territorial challenges.

Moral support

Prime Minister Hun Manet, speaking at the closing ceremony of the Extraordinary Congress of Cambodian Scouts the previous day, explained the profound significance of the march. He emphasized that the event was not only a demonstration of public support, but also a vital expression of the unbreakable bond between the Cambodian people and their frontline defenders. The Prime Minister stressed the need to provide moral encouragement to the troops stationed along Cambodia's borders, who tirelessly protect the nation's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

This collective display of patriotism and solidarity reflects the Cambodian people's unwavering commitment to peace and security in their country, sending a clear message of unity and strength in the context of ongoing border negotiations.

The border region separating Thailand and Cambodia has become the scene of a growing diplomatic standoff, where old territorial disputes clash with geopolitical maneuvering. To date, the 820-kilometer border remains a point of tension between two neighbors whose relations have deteriorated significantly since a deadly skirmish last month.

The current crisis began on May 28, when gunfire erupted in the Emerald Triangle, a remote and densely forested region where the borders of Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos meet. The brief but fatal clash claimed the life of a Cambodian soldier, with both sides accusing each other of starting the hostilities in the disputed territory. Since then, the incident has escalated into a broader diplomatic confrontation that threatens to destabilize relations between the two predominantly Buddhist countries.

Economic war looms

Amid dramatic tensions, Cambodia has implemented its threat to ban imports of Thai fruit and vegetables, effective from 9 a.m. on June 17. The ban, which follows a 24-hour ultimatum issued by Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, specifically targets agricultural products and does not affect other goods or the movement of people. This measure is in response to Thailand's unilateral adjustment of border crossing hours, which were reduced from the previously agreed schedule of 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Thailand responded with its own restrictive measures, with the Royal Thai Army stepping up border controls and banning Thai nationals from traveling to Cambodia to work in casinos and entertainment venues. The army cited national security and the safety of citizens on both sides of the border as reasons for tightening restrictions.

Diplomatic deadlock and legal maneuvers

The diplomatic landscape has become increasingly complex with Cambodia's official request to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to settle four specific border disputes. Prime Minister Hun Manet announced on Facebook that Cambodia had chosen “a peaceful resolution based on international law through the ICJ mechanism to resolve the border dispute,” with an official letter delivered to the Court in The Hague.

The disputed areas include the Emerald Triangle, where the deadly incident in May took place, as well as three temple sites: Ta Muen Thom, Ta Muen Toch, and Ta Kwai. These sites are home to ancient Angkorian ruins that have been the subject of a decades-long dispute and represent both cultural heritage and territorial sovereignty.

Thailand has firmly rejected the ICJ's approach, with its foreign ministry expressing disappointment at Cambodia's refusal to work within the framework of existing bilateral agreements. Bangkok maintains that it does not recognize the court's jurisdiction and prefers direct negotiations through established mechanisms such as the Joint Border Commission.

Military posture and border fortification

Both countries have reinforced their military presence along the disputed border, creating a tense situation reminiscent of past conflicts. Thai Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed that Cambodia had rejected proposals for de-escalation during bilateral talks, prompting the Thai royal government to implement additional security measures.

The Thai army took control of all border posts along the Cambodian border, citing repeated incursions by civilians and military buildup as evidence of aggressive intentions. At the same time, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized his country's defensive posture while asserting that the armed forces remained ready to defend themselves against any aggression.

A new crisis management framework

Aware of the deteriorating situation, Thailand has established the Special Operations Center for the Management of Situations at the Thailand-Cambodia Border (SOC-TCBSM), headed by Deputy Defense Minister Natthaphon Narkphanit.

 The center aims to restore normality along the border as soon as possible, although Cambodia has postponed indefinitely the meetings of the Regional Border Committee that were to address military deployment issues.

The human cost of political tensions

The escalating conflict is beginning to take its toll on ordinary citizens whose livelihoods depend on cross-border trade and employment. Market vendors, agricultural workers, and service providers who have operated for decades on both sides of the border now face uncertainty and restrictions on access to their traditional economic activities.

Reduced border opening hours and heightened security measures have disrupted trade patterns and daily life, particularly affecting Cambodian workers employed in Thai markets and entertainment venues along the border. The closure of key agricultural checkpoints has also impacted the transport of Thai fruit to Vietnamese markets via Cambodian territory.

Historical background and implications

The current tensions reflect deeper historical grievances rooted in the demarcation of borders during the colonial era. Much of the 820-kilometer border was established during French colonial rule in Indochina from 1887 to 1954, leaving some portions of the border ill-defined.

 The disputed areas have seen periodic violence since 2008, resulting in at least 28 deaths over the years. The 2013 ICJ ruling, which awarded Cambodia the disputed area around the Preah Vihear temple, continues to irritate Thai nationalists, adding a new layer of complexity to the current negotiations.

Thailand's consistent rejection of international legal mechanisms reflects this underlying resentment toward previous court rulings.

With diplomatic efforts stalled and both sides digging in their heels, the border between Thailand and Cambodia represents a worrying flashpoint in what is generally considered Southeast Asia's most stable region. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, founded in part to prevent such territorial disputes, has not yet actively intervened to resolve the crisis, raising questions about its ability to manage intra-regional conflicts.

The coming weeks will likely determine whether pragmatic voices will prevail over nationalist sentiment, or whether this ancient border will continue to serve as a barrier between two neighbors whose shared history and economic interests should unite rather than divide them.