Thailand PM Rejects Colonial-Era Border Map in Ongoing Cambodia Border Debate

Thailand PM Rejects Colonial-Era Border Map in Ongoing Cambodia Border Debate

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has sparked new controversy after declaring that the colonial-era French Siamese map used in border discussions with Cambodia is “no longer valid” for Thailand.

The statement came shortly after Anutin returned from meetings in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron and officials from UNESCO, according to reports from Thai media outlets.

Thailand Challenges Historical Border Map

Speaking to journalists after his visit to France, Anutin said Thailand no longer recognizes the 1:200,000 scale map created during the French colonial period under the Franco-Siamese treaties of 1904 and 1907.

The map has long been used by Cambodia in territorial discussions and international legal arguments regarding disputed border areas between the two neighboring countries.

Instead, Thailand says it prefers to rely on its own 1:50,000 scale map, which Thai authorities argue provides more accurate technical details of the current border areas.

Anutin stated that Thailand follows its own technical mapping system and existing bilateral conclusions, adding that external references to colonial-era maps should not influence Thailand’s position.

Border Issue Remains Sensitive

The border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand has remained a sensitive geopolitical issue for decades. Historical disagreements over mapping systems have played a major role in past tensions, particularly around areas near the Preah Vihear Temple.

Cambodia continues to rely on the internationally recognized French-era maps, which were also referenced in previous rulings by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Meanwhile, Thailand has repeatedly promoted its own independently drawn maps in negotiations and discussions.

Cambodian Analysts Respond

Cambodian geopolitical analyst Kin Phea criticized Anutin’s remarks, calling them political rhetoric designed to distract attention from Thailand’s domestic political and economic challenges.

According to the analyst, the 1:200,000 scale map has international legitimacy because it was established under treaties signed by both countries and has been recognized in international legal proceedings.

He also argued that rejecting internationally recognized agreements could create complications for diplomatic relations and regional cooperation.

Calls for Peaceful Dialogue

Despite the sharp rhetoric, both Cambodia and Thailand continue to maintain diplomatic relations and remain members of ASEAN. Observers say peaceful dialogue and international legal frameworks remain essential for avoiding further tensions along the shared border.

Regional experts believe cooperation, transparency, and mutual respect will be necessary to maintain stability and prevent future conflict between the two neighboring nations.

Historical Background

The French-Siamese treaties signed in the early 20th century helped establish border boundaries between French Indochina and Siam, now Thailand. Different interpretations of these maps have continued to fuel disputes over several border zones for many years.

The issue remains highly emotional for many citizens on both sides, especially whenever political tensions rise in the region.