At the heart of a long-standing territorial dispute between Thailand and Cambodia lies a century-old document: a French-drawn map from 1907. This map, though seemingly outdated, has played a central role in shaping national boundaries—and igniting tensions—particularly around the ancient Preah Vihear temple, a sacred site perched on a cliff along the border. Despite various diplomatic and legal attempts to resolve the matter, this map continues to stir nationalist sentiments, fuel political conflict, and occasionally trigger deadly clashes.
The 1907 map in question was produced by French colonial authorities, who then governed Cambodia as part of French Indochina. The map delineated the border between French Cambodia and Siam (now Thailand), placing the Preah Vihear temple within Cambodian territory. However, the Thai government has long contested the legitimacy and fairness of the map, arguing that it was never formally agreed upon and contradicts natural geographic features, such as the watershed line, which would logically place the temple on Thailand’s side.
In 1962, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in favor of Cambodia, confirming that the Preah Vihear temple was located within Cambodian territory. While Thailand accepted the ruling at the time, it has since questioned the precise demarcation of the surrounding land, particularly a 4.6-square-kilometer area adjacent to the temple. This dispute reignited in 2008, when UNESCO designated the temple a World Heritage Site under Cambodia’s proposal, prompting protests and a military buildup on both sides.
Nationalism and domestic politics have further complicated the situation. In both countries, the temple has become a symbol of sovereignty and pride. Thai political factions have used the issue to stir nationalist fervor, particularly during periods of internal instability. Similarly, Cambodian leaders have invoked the dispute to rally public support and assert their authority. This volatile mix has led to multiple military confrontations, notably in 2008, 2009, and 2011, resulting in casualties and the displacement of civilians along the border.
Efforts to resolve the conflict have included bilateral talks, ASEAN mediation, and further legal proceedings. In 2013, the ICJ issued a clarification of its 1962 ruling, affirming that Cambodia has sovereignty not only over the temple itself but also over the immediate vicinity. However, the lack of clearly defined border markers has continued to be a sticking point. Both nations have agreed in principle to joint demarcation efforts, but progress remains slow.
Today, the 1907 map remains more than a historical artifact—it is a powerful symbol that evokes colonial legacies, questions of national identity, and unresolved grievances. The dispute over Preah Vihear underscores how historical documents, when not clearly negotiated and implemented, can fester into modern-day conflicts. Until both Thailand and Cambodia fully commit to peaceful dialogue and mutual understanding, the lines drawn over a century ago will continue to cast a long shadow over their shared border.
