The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia increased significantly on Thursday (July 24, 2025). At least 12 people have died so far under the recently increased tension between the two neighboring countries of South-East Asia. On Thursday (July 24), the tension between these two countries increased so much, in which Cambodia attacked Thailand with a rocket and in retaliation, Thailand laid a bizzal at the Cambodian army camps with F-16 fighter jets. However, the reason for the ongoing border dispute between these two countries is a Hindu temple, in which Lord Shiva is established as the main deity.

According to the official portal of Thailand Tourism, the controversial temple on the Thailand-Kambodia border is called Prasat Ta Mun Thom, which is part of an archaeological site. Apart from this temple, two more Khmer style structures are also present, which are religiously important parts of this archaeological site. All these are located in the Ban Nong Khanna area of Thailand among the Dangrek mountains.

Apart from Prasat Ta Munan Thom, those who are two other religious places, their names are Prasat Ta Mun and Prasat Ta Mun Tot. All three places are at the center of the Thailand-Kambodia dispute. But Prasat Ta Mun Thom is prominent in this.

What is the history of Prasat Ta Mun Thom

The Prasat Ta Mun Thom Temple located at the center of the Thailand-Kambodia dispute was built by Emperor Udayadityavarman II around the 12th century as a Hindu temple. This temple is located about 800 meters south of Prasat Ta Mun Tot. Lord Shiva is established as the supreme deity in this temple and it is the oldest and largest among the three Prasat structures.

Prasat Ta Mun is a main place in Thom, which is located in the middle and the largest. While the other two small stars are located on its right and left. It is made of sand-stone and its face is towards the south.

Many important evidence exists within the main pursat of the temple

According to the official portal of Thailand Tourism, there are many important evidence of this temple within the main pursuit, including Shivling made of natural stone. A waterway originates through this Shivling, which goes from the main pratas to the eastern part of the balcony.

In addition, two libraries made of letrite are located in the south-east and south-west corners of the main Prasat. At the same time, there is also a curved corridor made of sandstone (sand stone) around the entire structure of the temple and a pond made of letters is also located just outside this corridor in the northern direction.

ALSO READ: Thailand and Cambodia clashed for the Hindu temple on the border, the war between countries associated with ASEAN

Thailand recently took military action using F-16 fighter jets on disputed military bases in Cambodia. The step was taken when the Thai area was attacked with heavy firing and rocket. Thai Army Deputy Spokesperson Richa Suxuvanan clearly stated that we launched aircraft at military bases as per the plan. During this period, one of the six F-16 aircraft destroyed a military hideout in the Cambodian region. At the same time, Thailand has claimed that 9 people died during the ongoing struggle with Cambodia.

This is not the first time that military tension between the two countries has increased, but this time the response appears more aggressive and planned. The Thai Army claims that this action has been taken into self -defense, while Cambodia called it a cruel and barbaric military attack.

Preh Vihar Temple and historical controversy
This dispute is not new. This tension between the two countries has been going on for decades with the 12th century famous Hindu temple Preh Vihar. In 1962, the International Court of Court (ICJ) declared this temple a part of Cambodia, but some nationalist groups in Thailand still challenge it today. The temple not only has historical significance, but is also associated with Cambodian nationality and religious sentiments. There have been frequent military clashes in this area. Earlier, there was a fight again in the year 2008, 2011 and now 2025.

Civil damage and human rights concerns
This time, not only military hideouts but also civil areas were affected in the attacks. According to Thailand, Cambodian soldiers have targeted a military base and hospital on the border. All this shows that the conflict is no longer limited to military boundaries. This is also affecting ordinary citizens. Human rights organizations have appealed to both countries to exercise restraint and follow international rules. Apart from this, an emergency meeting of UNSC has also been demanded.

Diplomatic stress and potential international impact
Both countries have expelled each other’s ambassadors. Thailand has given a strong warning against Cambodia that if the attacks continue, it will intensify its self -defense strategy. This phenomenon will affect not only regional stability, but can also see its results on international forums like ASEAN. Experts believe that if the same situation remains, then global powers like America and China can also come up for mediation.

New front of landmine
The issue of landmines has also emerged in this struggle. Thailand claims that its recently built landmines injured his soldiers, while Cambodia says it was an explosion of old tunnels. This allegation and counter-allegation are becoming more serious as landmines can become a long-term threat not only to soldiers but also local citizens.

Cambodian response and military recruitment work
Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet clearly stated in the national address that “it is necessary to give an armed response in the midst of a turbulent situation. He announced to resume military recruitment, which is clear that the country is getting ready for long -term struggle. The step shows that the conflict can now turn into a long -term strategy.

Also read: Struggle due to war, fierce firing on the border, landmine and temple

Thailand Political Crisis: Thailand’s Prime Minister Patongtarn Shinavatra has created a stir in Thailand’s politics after the conversation on the phone with the former Prime Minister of Cambodia. There is a serious border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand. Recently, there was a fierce demonstration on the streets for firing on No Mans Land. In the midst of all this, Thailand’s PM Patongtarn spoke to former Kandobia’s former PM Hun Sen as Uncle, then the PM of Thailand has been accused of collusion. The matter has increased so much that the government’s ally party has withdrawn its support.

As soon as the conversation was leaked, hundreds of protesters took to the streets in the capital Bangkok. The opposition has demanded dissolution of Parliament and new elections. In the leaked call, Petongtarn addressed Hun Sen as Uncle. Although it could have been personal humility, Thai people and nationalist organizations considered it against national dignity. The even more thing was that he called an officer of the Thai army an opponent, who was commanding the border zone where there was a clash.

Thai army hurt
The Thai army, which has a historical impact in the politics of the country, was badly hurt by this comment. This statement has given air to the possibility of military dissatisfaction and coup. Cambodian leader Hun Sen not only shared this call with 80 Cambodian officials, but also made it public on Facebook. His move became a cause of tension in diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The alliance scattered the Bhoomijayathai party left together
The biggest shock to the Government of Petongtarn was when the Bhoomijayathai party, which was the second largest party in the coalition. He withdrew support from the government. This has reduced the majority in Parliament and now the government has come to fall. Opposition leader Natatfong Rungapanyavut has demanded the dissolution of Parliament. His argument is that the Prime Minister has compromised on national interests.

Thailand-Kambodia border dispute
The 817 km long border between Thailand and Cambodia is disputed in many places. Its focal point is the 11th -century UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 1962, ICJ considered it a part of Cambodia, but the 4.6 sq km area around it is still disputed today.