Thailand/Cambodia
2007-2008
In 2007 Cambodia applied for the temple complex to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The temple complex was listed on 8 July 2008, despite formal objections from Thailand. In July 2008 Thailand and Cambodia both moved troops into and close to the disputed area. Both Cambodia and Thailand wrote to the Council following this escalation of tension. However, there was little appetite on the part of Council members to take up the issue. In part because Viet Nam, a member of ASEAN (of which both Cambodia and Thailand are members), was on the Council and persuaded other members that it was preferable to allow bilateral discussions to take priority. Eventually both sides agreed to discuss the issue through a Joint Border Commission.
1959-1962
There is a long-running border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia over territory in the vicinity of Preah Vihear, a temple complex dating from the 11th century. In 1959 the dispute was referred to the ICJ. In 1962 the ICJ ruled (in a 9-3 decision) that the area in the vicinity of Preah Vihear was part of Cambodian territory. While the ICJ ruling meant the temple complex was in Cambodian territory, the geography of the area determines that the most easily accessible entrance to the complex is in Thailand. Thailand accepts Cambodia’s sovereignty over Preah Vihear. However land surrounding the temple remains in dispute.
