Fighter plane F-16 Thailand invaded Cambodia using heavy weapons.

The Cambodia–Thailand Conflict During the Second Indochina War Page 1: Historical Background and Causes of the Conflict The conflict between Cambodia and Thailand has deep historical roots, dating back to the colonial era when borders were defined by French administrative maps. Different interpretations of these borders led to recurring tensions, particularly in areas surrounding ancient temples and frontier regions. During the period known as the Second Indochina War (approximately 1955–1975), the Cambodian–Thai border became increasingly sensitive due to regional instability, Cold War politics, and the involvement of major powers in Southeast Asia.

Page 2: The Outbreak of Tensions and Early Clashes Early clashes between Cambodian and Thai forces occurred mainly along disputed border areas. These confrontations were often limited in scale but frequent in occurrence. Both sides sought to assert territorial control and protect national sovereignty. Although these incidents did not always escalate into full-scale war, they created fear and insecurity among civilians living near the border.

Page 3: The Conflict Within the Context of the Second Indochina War As the Second Indochina War intensified, Cambodia and Thailand were drawn into broader geopolitical strategies. Thailand aligned closely with the United States, while Cambodia attempted to maintain neutrality before later being pulled into the conflict. Border regions were used for troop movement, logistics, and military operations. Bombings, armed patrols, and cross-border movements increased instability and violence.

Page 4: Impact on Civilians and Refugees The conflict severely affected civilians, particularly those living in rural border areas. Many families were forced to flee their homes due to fighting, bombardment, and insecurity. Thousands became refugees, seeking safety either deeper inside their own country or across borders. The humanitarian impact included loss of life, destruction of villages, food shortages, and long-term trauma.

Page 5: The End of the Conflict and Historical Lessons By the end of the Second Indochina War in 1975, large-scale armed confrontations between Cambodia and Thailand had diminished. Diplomatic efforts and regional changes helped reduce direct military conflict, although border disputes did not disappear entirely. The history of this period highlights the importance of peaceful conflict resolution, international dialogue, and respect for sovereignty to ensure long-term stability in the region.