Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has requested historical documents from France to help settle a long-running border dispute with Thailand, the country’s foreign ministry said on Thursday. The conflict, which has erupted into armed clashes twice in the past year, involves contested territories including the famed 11th-century Hindu temple Preah Vihear, known in Thailand as Khao Phra Viharn.
France’s Role in the Dispute
In a letter to French President Emmanuel Macron, Hun Manet asked for access to historical and technical documents related to the border, which was first mapped by France in 1907 when Cambodia was under French colonial rule. The original demarcation relied on the natural watershed separating Cambodia and Thailand. The prime minister also welcomed France’s expertise and advisory support in resolving the dispute.
According to Cambodia’s foreign ministry, Macron had previously indicated a willingness to assist in discussions with Phnom Penh. France’s embassy in Cambodia and Thailand’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Recent Clashes
Tensions flared last year after a Cambodian soldier was killed in a skirmish in late May, sparking fighting in July that left 43 dead before a fragile ceasefire was brokered in Malaysia with U.S. President Donald Trump’s intervention. Hostilities resumed in December, lasting over three weeks and resulting in as many as 101 deaths and the displacement of more than half a million people on both sides, before a new truce was declared on December 27.
Analysis: Legal and Diplomatic Dimensions
Cambodia’s appeal to France underscores the enduring influence of colonial-era maps in Southeast Asia, where historical boundaries often remain the basis for modern territorial claims. By seeking French documentation, Cambodia aims to strengthen its legal position and gain expert guidance in negotiations, potentially easing tensions with Thailand.
The request also highlights the role of international actors in mediating regional conflicts. While both countries have endured heavy human and economic costs from repeated clashes, involving France could provide a neutral, historically grounded perspective to facilitate a more sustainable settlement. As tensions linger, the outcome of these efforts may determine whether future confrontations can be avoided and a lasting border agreement achieved.
With information from Reuters.
