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HinduACTion urges peace amid Thailand–Cambodia temple clash
The clash has erupted near two sacred Hindu temple complexes dedicated to Lord Shiva.
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Malvika Choudhary - Sat, 26, Jul 2025
- 15:58 EDT
- 23
HinduACTion/ Preah Vihear Temple / HinduACTion/ UNESCO world heritage site
A U.S.-based Hindu advocacy organization, HinduACTion urged the governments of Thailand and Cambodia to immediately halt military activity and pursue diplomatic solutions amid an escalating conflict near ancient Hindu temples situated along their shared border.
In a letter dated July 25 and addressed to both Cambodian and Thai ambassadors in Washington, D.C., the group expressed deep concern over the escalation of violence near two historic temple complexes—Prasat Ta Muen Thom and Preah Vihear—dating back to the 11th century and dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva.
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“These temples are not merely architectural landmarks,” Utsav Chakrabarti, executive director of HinduACTion wrote in the letter. “They are living embodiments of Dharma.” The temples are considered sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists and are viewed as part of a shared cultural and spiritual heritage across the Dharmic world.
We urge HE Ambassador Dr. Suriya Chindawongse @ThaiEmbDC and Government of #Thailand as well as HE Ambassador KOY Kuong @cambodiaembus and the Government of #Cambodia, to choose dialogue over destruction, heritage over hostility, and wisdom over war in the escalating conflict… pic.twitter.com/Ij96cJxS7n
— HinduACTion (@HinduACT) July 25, 2025
HinduACTion noted that the present violence echoes earlier border clashes from 2008 to 2011 and is being driven by unresolved territorial disputes, ambiguities in colonial-era boundaries, and divergent interpretations of rulings by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 1962 and 2013. The group warned that fighting in the vicinity of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites could permanently damage culturally and spiritually significant structures.
The organization urged a full ceasefire, including the suspension of drone flights, artillery strikes, and troop movements. It advocated for renewed dialogue through mechanisms like the Thailand-Cambodia Joint Boundary Commission or, if necessary, international mediation.
In addition, HinduACTion called for the demilitarization of the temple areas, humanitarian access for displaced populations, removal of landmines, and phased de-escalation measures, including third-party observer missions. The goal, it said, should be to prevent further bloodshed and protect Asia’s civilizational legacy.
“We strongly urge the governments of Thailand and Cambodia to choose dialogue over destruction, heritage over hostility, and wisdom over warfare,” the letter said
Tensions between the two countries escalated sharply on July 24, when artillery shelling, BM-21 rocket attacks, and airstrikes were reported near Prasat Ta Muen Thom, located in Thailand’s Surin province. The initial skirmishes reportedly began in late May.
Both governments have accused each other of triggering the conflict and violating territorial boundaries, with reports of civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure, including schools and hospitals.
According to international media reports, at least 32 people have been killed, with over 130,000 civilians displaced in Thailand and nearly 40,000 in Cambodia. Thailand has imposed martial law in eight border districts, while Cambodia has called for an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council and demanded an unconditional ceasefire.
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