Why in News?
- Thailand launched airstrikes on Cambodian military positions after two Thai soldiers were killed along the border.
- The incident has reignited the long-standing territorial dispute centred on the historic Preah Vihear Temple.
About Preah Vihear Temple
- A Hindtemple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Cambodia, on the Dangrek Mountains along the Thailand–Cambodia border.
- Built during the Khmer Empire by kings Suryavarman I and Suryavarman II (11th century).
- Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2008).
- Culturally significant for both nations; its strategic hilltop location makes it geopolitically sensitive.
Preah Vihear Border Dispute
Colonial Background
- 1904 Franco–Siamese Treaty: Placed the area (including the cliff) under Thailand (then Siam).
- 1907 Map by French Surveyors: Placed Preah Vihear Temple inside Cambodia → basis of modern conflict.
International Court of Justice (ICJ) Judgments
- 1962 ICJ Judgment
- Ruled that Preah Vihear Temple belongs to Cambodia.
- Thailand required to withdraw forces but dispute over surrounding territory remained.
- 2008 Escalation
- Cambodia applied for UNESCO World Heritage status, triggering renewed military clashes.
- 2013 ICJ Clarification
- Reaffirmed Cambodia’s sovereignty over the temple.
- Called for a demilitarised zone, but it was never implemented.
Current Status
- Thailand rejects ICJ jurisdiction in the matter.
- Border remains poorly demarcated; periodic flare-ups continue.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
