[ENGLISH] Two Similar Cultures in Southeast Asia Encounters Boosted By Self Claiming and Prejudice

The two countries are inhabited by Buddhist communities with similarly large proportions, namely more than 90 percent. Thailand 93 percent, Cambodia 95 percent.  

The conflict between the two neighboring countries, namely Thailand and Cambodia, which has flared up again in recent days, leaves many astonished—especially among Southeast Asia observers. More specifically, for observers of the societies and cultures of these two countries. 

The data speaks. Both countries are inhabited by Buddhist communities with similarly high proportions, namely more than 90 percent. Thailand 93 percent, Cambodia 95 percent. Not only do they have the same religion and composition, but they also follow the same sect; both adhere to Theravada Buddhism.

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Both also have a royal monk (sangharaja) appointed by the monarchy, who provides support to the kingdom. The royal monk also leads the monastery and the monk community nationally. In Cambodian terms, this figure is called Samdech Preah Sangharaja, while in Thai it is called Somdet Phra Sangkharat. Similar, isn't it?!

Martial arts in the ring are the same. Only the names are different, and this is what actually keeps the rivalry heated. In Thailand, it is called Muay Thai, while in Cambodia it is called Kun Khmer or Pradal Serey. Although they are the same, Muay Thai has already become a global first.  

The competition over which one is the more authentic traditional martial art has sparked conflicts between the two countries. The peak occurred when Thailand boycotted the 2023 SEA Games held in Cambodia. The host country featured Kun Khmer, which is none other than Muay Thai, but did not use the term Muay Thai, instead calling it Kun Khmer. The international Muay Thai governing body was also not involved. Cambodia argued that Kun Khmer appeared before Muay Thai.

The largest and heaviest issue that continues to disturb the relationship between the two countries is the presence of the Preah Vihear Temple and the surrounding complex. The temple's location is in the border area, southeast of Thailand. The dispute over the ownership of this temple actually dates back to the colonial era.

This dispute is rooted in the history of border mapping during the colonial period and has led to prolonged political tension and deadly armed clashes, with significant fighting occurring as recently as 2025.

The problem originated from a border demarcation agreement between the French colonial authorities and the Kingdom of Siam in the early 20th century. On a map produced in 1907 by the French, the temple was located on the border within Cambodian territory. Thailand later contested this map, arguing that the border should follow the natural watershed line, which would place the temple area within Thai territory. Cambodia did not accept this. The dispute continued until Cambodia brought the case to the International Court of Justice.

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The International Court's ruling in 1962 declared that the temple belonged to Cambodia. Thailand officially accepted the ruling regarding the ownership of the temple, but maintained its claim over an area of 4.6 square kilometers around the temple.

UNESCO also heightened the situation. The inclusion of this temple as a world heritage site by UNESCO in 2008 added tension. Strong protests arose from Thailand, leading to military confrontations.

War on Social Media

The competition over who is more authentic between the two sides has also intensified on social media. The main trigger is clearly border tensions and historical disputes. Citizens of both countries are engaged in intense online debates. They support their respective governments' narratives and use platforms like TikTok and Facebook. These debates mostly spread nationalistic views, especially regarding areas like the Preah Vihear temple, which clearly creates a digital battlefield alongside the physical conflict. 

Confusingly, this competition extends to influencers and patriotic groups, strengthening the digital footprint of the conflict and influencing public opinion in both countries. However, behind this battle on social media, and this is common in the world of social media, accusations of profits earned by influencers and opinion leaders cannot be dismissed. 

Zaenal Eko/Melipirnews