Thousands of Cambodians joined a government-organized march in the capital on Wednesday, voicing support in a bitter border dispute with Thailand triggered by last month’s fatal shooting of a Cambodian soldier. Chanting "We keep our land!" and waving national flags, protesters—including monks, students, and families—held portraits of Prime Minister Hun Manet and his influential father, former leader Hun Sen. The rally, led by Deputy PM Hun Many (the premier’s brother), followed inconclusive talks between officials last week.
The neighbors share an 820-km border with contested sections, including ancient temples like Preah Vihear. On Wednesday, Cambodia’s Defense Ministry accused Thailand of escalating tensions through "drone flights, trench-digging, and troop deployments" in disputed zones. Thailand firmly rejected the claims, insisting its activities occur "well within sovereign territory" under a 2000 border agreement.
Despite both nations pledging dialogue, Thailand has tightened borders and threatened to cut electricity exports. Cambodia retaliated by halting Thai power, internet, and produce imports. Phnom Penh also banned Thai films and television content nationwide—a move amplifying nationalist sentiments.
Cambodia recently petitioned the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to resolve four disputed areas. Thailand refuses to recognize ICJ jurisdiction, insisting on bilateral talks slated for September. Cambodia previously won ICJ rulings on Preah Vihear Temple ownership (1962) and surrounding land jurisdiction (2013). Historical tensions flared into deadly clashes in 2008–2011, fueled by colonial-era maps drawn during France’s rule of Cambodia.