Cambodia has called for an immediate ceasefire with Thailand on Friday, after two days of cross-border fighting over a long-running border dispute.Cambodia’s envoy to the United Nations Chhea Keo said that Phnom Penh has asked for a truce “unconditionally” as it wanted a “peaceful solution of the dispute”.

The Embassy of India in Cambodia had issued a strong advisory for all Indian nationals living in or travelling to Cambodia, citing growing tensions and fresh conflict along the Cambodia-Thailand border. This message from the Indian mission in Phnom Penh urges citizens to avoid all travel to areas close to the border, especially where fighting has been reported.

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— India in Cambodia (@indembcam) July 26, 2025

The embassy has provided emergency contact details and requested Indians to keep in touch with embassy officials for updates. Alongside this, Indian nationals have been specifically advised not to pay attention to any rumours or unverified information circulating online or in local media.

The advisory follows intense clashes that began on 24 July, when Cambodian and Thai forces exchanged heavy fire near the Preah Vihear border region. Reports indicate that artillery and gunfire have caused casualties on both sides, with authorities in both countries blaming the other for the present escalation. Similar warnings have also been communicated by the Indian embassy in Bangkok, especially for those living or travelling close to the disputed frontier.

Reasons Behind the Cambodia-Thailand Conflict

The recent conflict between Thailand and Cambodia is rooted in a longstanding territorial dispute that stretches over a century. At its centre is the Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site located at the border, in the Dangrek mountain range. Both Cambodia and Thailand lay ancient claims to the temple and adjacent land, leading to disputes ever since colonial times. In 1962, the International Court of Justice ruled that the temple belonged to Cambodia. However, the court did not fully resolve disagreements about the surrounding land, and arguments persist even today.

The border itself was demarcated by French colonial administrators in the early 1900s, using old maps which, over time, became a source of confusion and ongoing bitterness between the two countries. Previous confrontations, especially from 2008 to 2011, resulted in military casualties, damage to sacred sites, and the temporary displacement of residents. Despite peace talks, border demarcation meetings, and intervention from international organisations, solutions have fallen short of ensuring lasting peace.

Underlying political tensions in both Cambodia and Thailand often bring the issue to the fore, with leaders citing patriotic reasons during domestic crises. Every fresh escalation not only revives deep-seated suspicions between the populations but also affects thousands of people living in the border areas.

India’s Relations with Cambodia and Thailand

India enjoys cordial relations with both Cambodia and Thailand, underpinned by a rich history of cultural and economic ties.

With Cambodia, India first set up formal diplomatic relations in the early 1950s, strengthening its presence after the end of the Khmer Rouge era in the late 1970s. India played a significant role in Cambodia’s peace and reconstruction efforts. A good example is the restoration of the world-famous Angkor Wat and other historical temples, helped by experts from India’s Archaeological Survey. Besides cultural projects, India’s contributions also cover human resource development, education, bilateral trade, and defence cooperation.

India’s relationship with Thailand is equally deep and multifaceted. Cultural influences—including shared religious traditions and storytelling, such as the Indian Ramayana and its Thai version, Ramakien—reflect centuries of connection. India established diplomatic relations with Thailand soon after independence in 1947, and since then, has expanded ties into business, connectivity, tourism, higher education, and military exchanges. The bond grew further this year, when both countries upgraded the partnership after high-level meetings in Bangkok, affirming mutual commitment to peace and prosperity in the region.

India continues to value both Cambodia and Thailand as important partners in its ‘Act East’ policy, which aims to promote deeper engagement with Southeast Asia. In the ongoing border conflict, India has not taken sides. The Indian government’s priority is the safety and security of its citizens, and it has appealed to both countries for calm, restraint, and diplomatic solutions.

India’s Approach

While the border tension between Cambodia and Thailand remains a matter of concern, India’s immediate focus is on ensuring the wellbeing of all Indians living or travelling in the region. The embassy’s advisory is one of many steps taken to keep nationals informed and out of harm’s way. Notably, India’s approach has been to support dialogue and peaceful solutions between ASEAN countries, offering moral support and humanitarian assistance when needed, but not direct involvement in disputes.

People-to-people contacts between India and the two Southeast Asian neighbours remain strong, with students, professionals, traders, and tourists contributing to better mutual understanding. With embassies in both Phnom Penh and Bangkok, India stands ready to assist its citizens and to play the role of a responsible friend, encouraging peace and cooperation among all nations in the region. The hope remains that through dialogue, the historic dispute can be peacefully resolved, ensuring safety for both local residents and the Indian community in Southeast Asia.

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