1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites
ConflictsCambodia

Why do Thailand-Cambodia border tensions keep recurring?

15:39

This browser does not support the video element.

May 28, 2026

The restive border between Thailand and Cambodia has been a problem for years. DW's Inside Asian Conflicts looks at the roots of border tensions and how the two neighbors might live in peace.

Thailand and Cambodia have laid claim to several undemarcated points along their 508-mile (817-kilometer) land border.  

The two neighbors have repeatedly clashed over territory. One of the flashpoints is the Hindu temple Preah Vihear, known as Khao Phra Viharn in Thailand.   

The temple was judged by the International Court of Justiceto belong to Cambodia, though the surrounding land remains disputed.  

Other contested ancient temples include the Ta Muen temple complex and Ta Krabei temple or Prasat Ta Kwai.

Skip next section DW's Top Story

DW's Top Story

Skip next section More stories from DW

More stories from DW