906 Chapter 6
Thailand sent forces to the border three separate times in 1998 as shows of force
against both Cambodian forces and the rebels.
MID#4569
Dispute Number: 4569
Date(s): May 13, 2005 to May 17, 2005
Participants: 811 Cambodia/800 Thailand
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: Both Cambodia and Thailand sent troops to their border following a dis-
pute around the temples in the Preah Vihear region.
MID#4588
Dispute Number: 4588
Date(s): July 15, 2008 to October 29, 2010
Participants: 800 Thailand/811 Cambodia
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: 1–25 deaths
Narrative: Thailand moved almost 1,000 troops to occupy the disputed Preah Vihear
temple area. A large number of small clashes followed.
800 THAILAND/812 LAOS
MID#2030
Dispute Number: 2030
Date(s): August 9, 1960 to October 29, 1960
Participants: 812 Laos/800 Thailand
Outcome (and Settlement): Released (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: On August 9, 1960, an army captain led a bloodless coup in Vientiane,
the Laotian capital. The goal of the “neutralist” coup was to restore order and end the
Laotian civil war. Opposition forces were divided, and though many would consider
a counter-coup, no leader presented himself. Meanwhile, Thailand still supported
the ousted government and issued a blockade on the Mekong River later that month.
Laotian revolutionaries reciprocated by capturing two Thai policemen on duty in
Tha Bo village, on the Mekong. On September 18, the Laotian government accused
Thailand of mortar bombing the Laotian capital of Vientiane. The Thai government
vehemently denied the accusation, which was likely untrue. Thai forces clashed with
Laotian troops in October. However, the blockade proved effective as Vientiane ran
out of gas. A new premier—Souvanna Phouma—was in power but continued to fight
insurgents in the countryside.