Thailand and Cambodia are caught up in a heated border dispute over an ancient temple that dates back to the 11th century. This isn’t just about land — it’s about the heritage of colonialism, national pride, and tensions between two powerful political dynasties.
Thailand recently faced a serious hacker attack targeting its government systems, highlighting just how vulnerable countries are to digital threats these days. And then came a leaked phone call between Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen, which shook Thai politics and made an already delicate situation even worse. It’s a clear example of information warfare — where cyberattacks, leaked information, and political pressure all work hand in hand to destabilize governments. And this kind of hybrid threat isn’t unique to this region, as digital and political pressures are being used to challenge national security.
The border dispute over Ta Moan Thom temple
At the heart of the current tensions between Thailand and Cambodia lies the Ta Moan Thom temple, an 11th-century Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated along a contentious stretch of the Thai-Cambodian border, the temple has long been a flashpoint in a broader dispute over sovereignty and historical claims. Both nations claim ownership over the temple and its surrounding area, citing cultural and historical ties — a conflict rooted not only in religious heritage but also in the geopolitical legacy of colonial rule. The border in question was largely drawn during the era of French Indochina (1887–1954), when France administered Cambodia. Borders were drawn using maps created by French officials, often without any local input or on-the-ground accuracy. These maps placed several temples within Cambodian territory despite their cultural and geographic ties to Thailand. The result: an 800 km border with poorly demarcated zones and overlapping claims. Following independence, these colonial maps became the basis for recurring legal and military clashes, turning sacred sites into flashpoints of nationalist pride and political tension. Despite various diplomatic attempts to resolve these uncertainties, competing interpretations of historical maps and legal agreements have repeatedly led to skirmishes.
The Thailand-Cambodia border has seen multiple clashes throughout the 21st century, including significant violence in 2008 near the Preah Vihear temple. These incidents often stemmed from unresolved border disputes rooted in colonial-era mapping. In fact, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in 1962 that Preah Vihear belonged to Cambodia, a decision reaffirmed in 2013 after further clashes. Despite these rulings, sporadic skirmishes continued, fueled by nationalist sentiments on both sides.
Tensions flared again in February 2025 when a group of Cambodian tourists sang their national anthem at the Ta Moan Thom temple (another disputed territory). The act was labelled by Thai authorities as a provocation. The situation deteriorated further on May 28, when a Cambodian soldier was killed during a gunfight between the Thai and Cambodian military in the so-called “Emerald Triangle”, where the borders of Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos converge. Each side blamed the other for initiating the violence. In response, Cambodia has announced its intention to again bring the dispute before ICJ, even if Thailand refuses to recognize the court’s jurisdiction. This legal move echoes Cambodia’s previous appeals to the ICJ in 1962 and again in 2013, both of which resulted in rulings favourable to Cambodia. Prime Minister Hun Manet appears confident of a similar outcome in 2025. Meanwhile, Thailand’s government has rejected the ICJ’s authority in the current dispute.
Hacktivism and national vulnerability
As the tensions in the Emerald Triangle rise, the conflict spills over into the cybersphere. Between late May and mid-June 2025, Thailand faced a sharp escalation in cyberattacks attributed to a Cambodian hacktivist group known as AnonSecKh—also operating under the aliases ANON-KH and Bl4ckCyb3r. The group launched a wave of politically motivated distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks targeting a broad range of Thai entities. Overall, the group claimed 73 attacks between May 28 and June 10. Approximately 30% of attacks hit government websites, 26% targeted military institutions. Manufacturing and financial sectors also were affected. The group shared proof-of-impact reports via Telegram, emphasizing their focus on retaliation against nations perceived as hostile to Cambodia.
The attacks immediately raised questions about Thailand’s cyber defense capabilities. Public concern grew as critical infrastructure—such as the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the Ministries of Defense and Foreign Affairs —were reportedly affected.
Cyberattacks as the bread and butter of Thai cyberreality
These cyberattacks are nothing new to the Thai government. The country has seen a surge in cyberattacks over the past few years, culminating in a sharp escalation in both frequency and sophistication in 2025. Thailand faced over 1,000 cyber incidents between January and May 2025 alone. These attacks ranged from data leaks and ransomware to AI-driven DDoS assaults. Notably, more than 63% of Thai organizations reported experiencing data breaches, and over half admitted to paying ransoms—underscoring the urgent threat to national digital infrastructure.
Even before, between 2018 and 2023, Thailand was hit by a series of high-profile cyberattacks that exposed widespread vulnerabilities. These included the massive 9near hack in 2023, which leaked the personal data of 55 million citizens; the TCAS breach in 2022, sharing data of over 23,000 students on the dark web; and ransomware attacks targeting Bangkok Airways, Saraburi Hospital, and the Bhumirajanagarindra Kidney Institute, among others. Many of these attacks exploited outdated systems, unsecured cloud storage, or poor encryption standards. In the case of the TrueMove H data leak (2018), sensitive identification documents (such as passports) were exposed on an unprotected Amazon Web Services S3 bucket.
Public concern over Thailand’s cyber defense readiness has increased significantly, particularly as AI-powered attacks become more prevalent. The government has declared 2025 the “Year of Cybersecurity” and emphasized the need for executive-level involvement in cyber resilience. Thailand’s cyber vulnerabilities are further complicated by geopolitical tensions, particularly as state-sponsored and politically motivated attacks rise in the region, such as a hacker attack due to the border conflict with Cambodia. While the government has stepped up its cybersecurity agenda, the growing scale of attacks suggests that reactive approaches may no longer be enough.
Moreover, recently, Thai cybercrime authorities have launched a major investigation into a financial network funnelling scam proceeds into Cambodia’s Huione Group, a company suspected of laundering money from online gambling and call centre fraud targeting Thai citizens. According to the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), there is also a possibility of a connection between the scam and Hun To – the nephew of Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. However, this link remains unconfirmed. In light of rising tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border, CCIB Commissioner Lieutenant General Trairong urged the public to be cautious in sharing unverified information, warning against AI-generated fake news and emphasizing that inciting unrest online is a criminal offense under Thai law.
Private words, public crisis: Thailand’s political turmoil
Amid an escalating hacker attack targeting Thai government systems and heightened tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border, the leaked 17-minute phone call between Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Hun Sen, who discussed the border crisis, has triggered a political firestorm in Thailand. Paetongtarn, the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, carries the legacy of a politically polarizing family whose influence continues to shape Thai politics. Her ties to Cambodia are rooted in years of close relations between the Shinawatra and Hun families. Moreover, Hun Sen, Cambodia’s longtime former Prime Minister and now Senate President, was once a key ally of Thaksin. Today, Hun Sen’s son, Hun Manet, serves as Cambodia’s Prime Minister, continuing this dynastic political thread.
In the leaked phone call, Paetongtarn Shinawatra spoke openly with Hun Sen about the sensitive border dispute between their countries. She addressed Hun Sen as “uncle” and offered to handle any issues he might raise, saying, “Just let me know, I’ll take care of it”. However, she also criticized Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang, a senior Thai military commander, calling him an “opponent” who “just wanted to look tough”. The recording leaked as Hun Sen shared it with some of his political allies, and then one of them made it public. The phone call sparked public outrage, as many saw Paetongtarn’s remarks as undermining Thailand’s military and sovereignty. Paetongtarn apologized for the leak and said her comments were part of negotiation tactics, but the damage was done.
The fallout was immediate and severe: the Bhumjaithai Party, the second-largest in her coalition, withdrew its support, citing damage to national sovereignty and the military’s reputation. This departure fuelled public protests and calls for her resignation. Conservative senators swiftly filed a petition to the Constitutional Court, seeking her removal from office—a move that can potentially lead to her suspension in the coming days. This also fuels the fear of a potential coup, as the country has a long history of military coups when a political crisis arise. For some, it also raises cautious hope that the resulting destabilization could pave the way for more democratic parties, such as the People’s Party to come to power.
In response to the escalating crisis, Paetongtarn made a visit to the contentious Thai-Cambodian border, where tensions have been simmering since a deadly clash on May 28. However, Hun Sen publicly rebuked the visit, accusing her of betraying both him and the Thai people. He publicly accused former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his family of betrayal, revealing a deep political rift. Hun Sen criticized Paetongtarn Shinawatra for border closures, disrespect, and deceptive tactics while calling for stronger regional cooperation to combat online crime.
As internal pressure mounted and fears of regional instability grew, Paetongtarn arranged an emergency call with French President Emmanuel Macron, seeking international mediation. It was followed by Hun Sen’s threat to reveal alleged secret plans involving former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The leak has effectively weaponized personal diplomacy, turning private dialogue into a tool of political sabotage that has destabilized Thailand’s leadership and left its prime minister fighting to retain power.
Lessons from the edge of borders and web
The Thai-Cambodian crisis over the Ta Moan Thom temple is far more than a regional border dispute — it is a revealing case study of the complexities of modern hybrid warfare. Blending conventional military tensions with cyberattacks, digital propaganda, and weaponized personal diplomacy, this conflict illustrates how 21st-century power struggles are no longer confined to physical borders. Instead, they now extend across data centers, messaging apps, and political backchannels. The cyberattacks launched against Thai institutions and the explosive leak of a sensitive phone call between national leaders demonstrate the growing power of non-traditional threats — where hacker groups, state-sponsored cyber operations, and strategic information leaks can disrupt governance, undermine public trust, and destabilize entire regions. These tools of information warfare are increasingly used alongside — or instead of — traditional force, posing a direct challenge to national sovereignty and political legitimacy.
Importantly, this is not just a Southeast Asian problem. The same vulnerabilities exist globally, from Bangkok to Brussels to Warsaw. As Poland and other nations face rising cyber intrusions, election interference, and the spread of disinformation, the Thai-Cambodian case highlights a shared global dilemma: how can governments defend themselves in an age when power is exercised as much through code and covert leaks as through armies and treaties?
In an era where temples, servers, and private phone calls can all become battlegrounds, the Thai-Cambodian crisis is a warning. What’s unfolding in Southeast Asia today could unfold anywhere tomorrow.

Andżelika Serwatka Holds a bachelor's degree in Asian Studies and a master's degree in International Relations from the University of Lodz. She has participated in numerous research projects, including the Jean Monnet Module "Europe as an Actor in Asia," during which she presented her research findings at Fulbright University in Ho Chi Minh City, the "Transcultural Caravan" project coordinated by Zeppelin University, and the "Vietnam 2022" project organized by the University of Lodz. She is a member of the Forum of Young Diplomats and is currently involved in diplomatic activities as part of an internship at the Polish Institute under the Polish Embassy in New Delhi. Her interests include neocolonialism, ecological anthropology, sustainable development, and cross-cultural relations. As part of the Boym team, she edits the quarterly magazine.
czytaj więcej
Paweł Behrendt for 9DASHLINE: The South China Sea – from colonialism to the Cold War
We would like to inform, that 9DASHLINE has published article of Paweł Behrendt - the Boym Institute Analyst, in which he wrote about history of the South China Sea dispute over the 20th century.
Paweł BehrendtUzbekistan, under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, has embarked on a path of reform. Almost daily, the media there report on new initiatives and projects. It is no coincidence that in December 2019 The Economist awarded Uzbekistan the country of the year title.
Magdalena Sobańska-CwalinaPolish women do not often become the heroines of media reports in Central Asia. In February 2020, however, it was different. The story of Agnieszka Pikulicka-Wilczewska, a journalist, "heated up" the headlines of local news portals. More importantly, "between the lines" she talked a lot about contemporary Uzbekistan and the role of women in politics.
Magdalena Sobańska-CwalinaAt the Boym Institute we are coming out with new initiative: #WomeninBoym, which aims to show the activity of this – often less visible – half of society. We will write about what women think, say and do. We will also publicise what women are researching and writing.
Environmental problems transcend not only national borders but also historical periods. And yet debates on the necessary measures and timelines are often constrained by considerations of election cycles (or dynastic successions) in any given country.
Dawid JuraszekJoin us for the Adam Institute’s Latest Online Course
Conflict resolution models have been primarily crafted and codified by men. The Adam Institute for Democracy and Peace invites you to be part of that much-needed change through an experiential and innovative Online Course "Conflict Resolution in the Context of Gender".
Chinese work on the military use of artificial intelligence
Intensive modernization and the desire to catch up with the armed forces of the United States made chinese interest in the military application of futuristic technologies grow bigger.
Paweł Behrendt“Green growth” may well be more of the same
Witnessing the recent flurry of political activity amid the accelerating environmental emergency, from the Green New Deal to the UN climate summits to European political initiatives, one could be forgiven for thinking that things are finally moving forward.
Dawid JuraszekChina – USA in the South China Sea
The trade war is just one of the problems of confrontation between the United States and the People's Republic of China. Many aspects of this competition coincide in the South China Sea.
Paweł BehrendtNew Female Prime Minister Faces Thailand’s Political Turmoil
Thailand, known for military coups, political downfalls, and dashed democratic hopes, has a new Prime Minister. Paetongtarn Shinawatra is not only the youngest elected Prime Minister in the country's history and the second woman to hold this post, but she is also a member of the Shinawatra political dynasty.
Andżelika SerwatkaBook review: “Korean Diaspora in Postwar Japan – Geopolitics, Identity and Nation-Building”
Book review of "Korean Diaspora in Postwar Japan - Geopolitics, Identity and Nation-Building", written by Kim Myung-ja and published by I.B Tauris in 2017.
Nicolas LeviBook review: “North Korea’s Cities”
Book review of "North Korea’s Cities", written by Rainer Dormels and published byJimoondang Publishing Company in 2014.
Nicolas LeviBeyond Grey Hulls: Europe’s Role in “Crowdsourcing” Maritime Domain Awareness in the South China Sea
If developments observed in the South China Sea over the recent months are of any indication, it simply means that the situation has worsened. China’s continued aggression towards its neighbors – the Philippines and Vietnam in particular, has continued unabated.
Collin KohAdam Institute for Democracy & Peace – Crowdfunding Campaign December 2020
Democracy in Israel is in crisis. And if we don't educate for democracy, it just won't exist. It's that simple. The actual teaching of democracy, on the other hand, isn't so simple. It requires experience, theoretical and practical knowledge and the flexibility to adapt to our ever-changing reality.
Transcultural Winter School 2021 (8th of November — 12th of November)
This year’s research project TSRG 2021 as a collaborative initiative between Leadership Excellence Institute Zeppelin and the Boym Institute continued with a Transcultural Winter School in Zeppelin University, in Friedrichshafen.
India, China and the Shades of Grey
"We are at an inflection point in this century. Many of our traditional arrangements are failing. To achieve stability in this century we need to discover new solutions" - Interview with Samir Saran - Senior Fellow and Vice President at the Observer Research Foundation
Krzysztof ZalewskiOnline Course: “Conflict Resolution and Democracy”
The course will be taught via interactive workshops, employing the Adam Institute’s signature “Betzavta – the Adam Institute’s Facilitation Method“, taught by its creator, Dr. Uki Maroshek-Klarman. The award-winning “Betzavta” method is rooted in an empirical approach to civic education, interpersonal communication and conflict resolution.
Indian dream – interview with Samir Saran
Krzysztof Zalewski: India is a large country, both in terms of its population and its land area, with a fast-growing economy. It is perceived as a major new player on the global stage. What would the world order look like if co-organized by India? Samir Saran: India’s impact on the world order is already significant, but […]
Krzysztof ZalewskiPatrycja Pendrakowska as a founding member of the WICCI’s India-EU Business Council
By sharing knowledge, business opportunities, and best practices the Council generates awareness of women's contributions in developing the India-EU relations.
Global Gateway 101: A Short Guide to the EU’s Development Initiatives and their Challenges in Asia
The 2010s and 2020s have been marked by intense geopolitical competition, not only in traditional military and economic terms but also in the realm of global development initiatives.
Konrad SzattersAn interview with Mr. Meirzhan Yussupov, Chairman of the Board of the “National Company” KAZAKH INVEST” JSC - Member of the Board of Directors of the Company
Magdalena Sobańska-CwalinaForeign Direct Investment in Vietnam
Thanks to continuous economic development, Vietnam attracts a record number of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The catalyst for such a strong growth of FDI in Vietnam is not only the ongoing trade war between the US and China, but also new international agreements.
Jakub KrólczykBook review of "GDR International Development Policy Involvement. Doctrine and Strategies between Illusions and Reality 1960-1990, The example (South) Africa", written by Ulrich van der Heyden and published by Lit Verlag in 2013.
Nicolas LeviThe Dasgupta Review on Women and the Environmental Crisis
Commissioned in 2019 by the British government and published in February 2021, The Dasgupta Review has been likened to the 2006 Stern Review. Where the latter brought to widespread attention the many failings of the world economy in the face of global warming, the former makes similar points as regards biodiversity – and identifies the unique challenges faced by women.
Dawid Juraszek