Cambodia x Thailand Conflict

Imagine a temple so breathtaking, two nations nearly went to war over it — and still might.Preah Vihear sits on a cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains, claimed by both Cambodia and Thailand for over a century.It started in the early 1900s, when French maps placed the temple in Cambodia.Thailand disagreed, saying the map ignored the natural border.In 1962, the UN's highest court ruled for Cambodia — but Thailand never fully accepted it.Things turned deadly in 2008 after UNESCO listed the temple as a World Heritage site, sparking military clashes that killed dozens.Peace held for 12 years… until May 2025, when a skirmish left a Cambodian soldier dead.In July, all-out fighting erupted — the worst in a decade — before a ceasefire on July 28.Today, the temple remains both a symbol of shared heritage… and bitter division.And the question of who owns the land surrounding the temple remains a source of deep national pride and political tension.Follow for more stories that explain our complex world.

The Preah Vihear Temple stands as one of Southeast Asia's most stunning — and most disputed — landmarks. This video uncovers the century-long conflict between Cambodia and Thailand over the sacred site perched atop the Dângrêk Mountains. From colonial-era map disputes to deadly clashes and the latest 2025 fighting, discover how history, politics, and national pride continue to collide. Explore why this UNESCO World Heritage site is both a symbol of unity and division, and what its future means for peace in the region. Perfect for history buffs, geopolitics followers, and world news enthusiasts.