900 Chapter 6
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (Negotiated)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: On August 4, 1958, Thailand declared a state of emergency along its
border with Cambodia. The proclamation was a response to Cambodia’s recognition
of Communist China. Thailand and Cambodia had been set to begin discussions on
a disputed border on August 15. The border dispute centered on an ancient temple,
Khao Phra Viharn, which Cambodia claimed ownership and was within Thailand’s
territory.
After the state of emergency was declared, diplomatic relations between Thailand
and Cambodia floundered. Thailand border police destroyed 10 bridges between the
countries, and Cambodia seized over 200 Thai nationals along the border. Cambo-
dia officially severed diplomatic relations with Thailand on November 24, citing
Thai press attacks on Cambodia. In response to this, Thailand sealed its borders
with Cambodia on November 25. On January 28, 1959, a UN mediator convinced
Cambodia to consent to mending diplomatic relations with Thailand if the Thai
media attacks stopped. On February 4, Cambodia released 49 previously seized Thai
nationals. On February 6, 1959, Thailand and Cambodia issued a joint communique
that the rupture of diplomatic relations between the countries had ended, and talks
would resume concerning the original border dispute of the ancient templet, Khao
Phra Viharn.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from August 5, 1958. End Date changed from
February 9, 1959. Outcome changed from Unclear. Settlement changed from None.
MID#1227
Dispute Number: 1227
Date(s): June 16, 1961 to November 9, 1961
Participants: 811 Cambodia/800 Thailand
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: Relations between Cambodia and Thailand deteriorated as Cambodia
developed closer relationships with Communist countries. The two states broke dip-
lomatic ties and then put their armies on alert. The Cambodian premier later accused
Thailand of repeated border violations.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from June 18, 1961. End Date changed from
December 28, 1961.
MID#1228
Dispute Number: 1228
Date(s): June 16, 1962 to November 13, 1962
Participants: 800 Thailand/811 Cambodia
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: After the International Court of Justice awarded possession of a disputed
border temple to Cambodia, Thailand warned that its police forces would fight off any