Thailand-Cambodia Fighting Over a Hindu Temple
A war has broken out between Thailand and Cambodia over an ancient Hindu temple, with rising tensions, global involvement, and hundreds of lives affected.
A serious war has started near India, between two Buddhist countries – Thailand and Cambodia. They are fighting over an ancient Hindu temple called the Preah Vihear Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is almost 900 years old and is built on a cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains, right at the border of Thailand and Cambodia. It was built during the Khmer Empire, a powerful kingdom that ruled many parts of Southeast Asia, including areas of present-day Thailand. Because of this shared history, both countries feel a strong connection to the temple and claim it as their own.
In 1962, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) gave a judgment that the temple belongs to Cambodia. Thailand accepted the decision at that time, but there was still confusion about who owns the 4.6 square kilometre land around the temple, as the ICJ did not clearly mention it. Since then, both countries have been arguing about it. Another nearby temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, called Ta Moan Thom, has also become part of the fight. Cambodia and Thailand both say that it belongs to them.
This dispute has caused many problems in the past – border fights, military tension, and even deaths of soldiers and local people. Even though there have been court decisions and peace agreements, the situation has never been fully calm. For both countries, this issue is not only about land, but also about their pride, culture, and identity.
In May 2025, a fresh fight began again when armies from both countries clashed near the disputed area. A Cambodian soldier, Vann Sovath, died in this clash. By 24th July, the situation became worse and turned into a full war, with airstrikes, gunfire, and many people getting hurt. So far, at least 32 to 35 people have died, including civilians. Over 2 lakh people have run away from their homes to save their lives. Martial law has been declared in Thai border areas, meaning the army is now controlling law and order there.
The war has attracted global attention. U.S. President Donald Trump has warned both countries that the U.S. might stop trade deals with them if the fighting doesn’t stop. He has supported peace talks that are already happening. Thailand wants to solve the matter through direct talks, while Cambodia wants the ICJ to give a fresh legal judgment, rather than continue fighting or having just bilateral talks.
Some experts believe this war is not just between Thailand and Cambodia, but actually a bigger fight between the U.S. and China. The U.S. is clearly supporting Thailand, and even allowed them to use its F-16 fighter planes. On the other hand, China – along with Pakistan – has supported Cambodia’s army in the past.
No one knows when this war will end, but pressure is increasing from all sides – including powerful countries and people from the region – to stop the violence and find a peaceful solution.
