Why are Thailand and Cambodia fighting at the border?

The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia stems from a long-standing disagreement over the ownership of the Preah Vihear temple, which is located on the border between the two countries. The conflict has its origins in the early 20th century, when the French colonial administration in Cambodia and the Kingdom of Siam (now Thailand) were unable to reach a consensus on the demarcation of the border. In 1962, the International Court of Justice ruled that the Preah Vihear temple belonged to Cambodia. However, the dispute over the surrounding areas has continued to this day, leading to periodic clashes between the two countries' armed forces. The conflict has been exacerbated by nationalist sentiments and domestic political considerations in both Thailand and Cambodia. Despite efforts to resolve the dispute through diplomatic channels, the border issue remains a source of tension between the two countries. The situation has the potential to escalate, and the continued instability in the region is a concern for the broader international community.