Thailand is the ideal spot for Indian honeymooners and vacation seekers. Not too far from India, with affordable airfare, stunning beaches, ancient temples, and a vibrant culture, Thailand is a dream come true for every middle-class Indian. However, the country has recently made headlines due to political turmoil and regional tensions.
In August 2024, 38-year-old Patongtarn Shinawatra became Thailand's youngest Prime Minister but was suspended by the court following a leaked phone call controversy, marking an unprecedented court intervention in a democracy.
Today, a new Prime Minister will take the helm in Thailand. Phumtham Wechayachai, the Acting (caretaker) Prime Minister of Thailand, will be sworn in today.
Government spokesperson Jeerayu Hongsup said on Wednesday that the oath would be administered in front of His Majesty the King. Let's delve into the controversy that led to Shinawatra’s suspension.
The leaked call involved Shinawatra criticizing her own country's military. She was speaking to Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, and the call, made on June 15th, was later leaked.
What was Shinawatra discussing with Cambodia’s Senate President?
According to the news agency AP, Hun Sen posted on Facebook saying he recorded the conversation and shared it with at least 80 people.
In the call, Patongtarn and Hun Sen were discussing the Thailand-Cambodia border tension through a translator. Both leaders questioned whether sanctions imposed after a deadly clash should be lifted.
Source: aajtak
In the call, suspended PM Patongtarn can be heard referring to Hun Sen as 'Uncle.' It is noteworthy that Thaksin Shinawatra, Patongtarn's father, was a longtime friend of Hun Sen.
Patongtarn told Hun Sen not to listen to the regional military commander of Thailand. This commander had publicly criticized Cambodia regarding the Thailand-Cambodia border dispute, labeling them as "opponents." She urged Hun Sen to share his concerns so she could manage them.
Notably, Hun Sen’s son, Hun Manet, has been Cambodia’s PM since August 22, 2023. Patongtarn Shinawatra and Hun Manet are not only carrying forward their political careers but also the political legacies of their fathers.
The Thailand-Cambodia Border Dispute
Shared cultural similarities like Buddhism, lifestyle, and cuisine draw parallels between Thailand and Cambodia. Nevertheless, tensions persist over the border dispute.
How did the new conflict arise?
In May, a conflict erupted between these Asian neighbors when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a shooting by a Thai soldier.
Cambodia’s military stated that their soldiers were on routine patrol when Thai forces opened fire, resulting in the death of their soldier.
The Thai army claimed that Cambodian soldiers had entered disputed territory, and while attempting a dialogue to resolve the conflict, Cambodian soldiers opened fire, leading to a reciprocal shootout from Thai forces.
The May incident is the recent cause of tension between the two nations. Following this, Thailand imposed strict border restrictions with Cambodia, exempting only students, patients, and essential travelers from the ban on movement between the countries.
Cambodia responded by banning Thai films and shows, halting Thai fruit and vegetable imports, and boycotting certain international internet links and electricity supplies from its neighbor. Cambodia has also ceased fuel imports from Thailand.
The Battle Over the Border
Thailand and Cambodia share a land boundary over 800 kilometers long. Their border conflict centers primarily around the Hindu Preah Vihear Temple and its surroundings, nestled in the Dângrêk Mountains.
European colonial powers have left tumultuous border disputes due to ineffective policies. Similar to the British planting seeds of conflict between India and its neighbors, France left behind issues between Cambodia and Thailand. The dispute traces back to a 1907 map when Cambodia was a French colony.
Cambodia uses this map to claim territory, while Thailand argues it's inaccurate.
In 1962, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled the temple was part of Cambodia, but ownership of the surrounding 4.6 sq. km region remained unresolved, claimed by Thailand.
A 2008 attempt by Cambodia to list Preah Vihear as a UNESCO World Heritage site escalated tensions. Military clashes from 2008-2011 resulted in at least 28 casualties.
The May 2025 conflict reignited after the death of a Cambodian soldier in the Emerald Triangle area, where the borders of Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos converge. Both Thailand and Cambodia lay claim to this region.
Cambodia returned to the ICJ in 2011, securing another ruling in its favor, further straining ties with Thailand.
Cambodia seeks ICJ resolutions for other disputed areas, whereas Thailand prefers bilateral talks for such issues.
Cambodia has declared its resolution from the ICJ on these matters, refusing further discussions, contributing to sustained tensions.
Indians Love Thailand
Amidst these disputes, it's notable that Thailand remains Indian honeymooners' and travelers' favorite destination. According to Thailand's website, 'The Pattaya News,' 2.1 million Indians visited Thailand in 2024, a 23% increase from 2023.
Thailand's affordable travel, easy visa policies, and proximity to India make it an attractive choice for Indian honeymooners. It is expected that the number of Indian tourists will rise to 2.5 million by 2025.
