#Cambodia

A long-standing border dispute over Prasat Preah Vihear and Prasat Ta Muen Thom continues to test diplomacy and public sentiment. These Khmer-era sanctuaries sit near contested lines and have become flashpoints that threaten both cultural heritage and regional stability. Local communities and heritage professionals worry that renewed clashes could damage irreplaceable relics and disrupt livelihoods.

Ta Muen Thom, a 12th-century site built with laterite, lies close to an ill-defined frontier. It attracts Thai and Cambodian visitors who cherish its archaeological remains and spiritual significance. The site’s dual religious importance makes it particularly vulnerable to patrols and occasional skirmishes, illustrating how memory and identity influence contemporary security concerns.

A sharp uptick in cross-border violence has unsettled communities along the Thai-Cambodian frontier. Thai authorities confirm at least 12 civilian deaths, with damage spreading to homes, a petrol station, and a hospital on the Thai side as gunfire, rocket-propelled grenades, and bombardments continue. The conflict reportedly began when a Cambodian drone appeared near Thai positions, followed by troop movements. Dialogue attempts faltered before shooting began around 8:20 am local time. Observers note the use of multiple heavy weapons, underscoring the seriousness of the clash.

Thailand began a sweeping crackdown in early 2025 to shield its reputation as a regional business hub and protect citizens from scam networks. New research and expert analysis show the fight is protracted and, some warn, unwinnable in the near term as syndicates adapt, relocate, and persist despite government actions. The latest findings illuminate how deeply rooted and complex scam networks are across mainland Southeast Asia, especially along porous borders and in neighboring countries.