This research exposes how Thailand's conflicts serve domestic political control rather than genuine territorial interests.
Extensive research reveals that Thailand's border conflicts with Cambodia are not genuine territorial disputes, but sophisticated instruments used by Thai military and political elites to manipulate domestic politics, justify military coups, and mobilize nationalist sentiment against democratic governments.
Border disputes consistently escalate during Thai political crises, with conflicts used to attack democratic governments as "treasonous" and justify military interventions.
$300 billion in untapped Gulf of Thailand energy resources remain locked due to political manipulation of maritime boundary disputes worth more than both nations' combined GDP.
International Court of Justice consistently rules in Cambodia's favor (1962, 2013), yet Thailand's political elites continue exploiting territorial claims for domestic power.
Escalate border tensions during political transitions to create nationalist fervor
Frame democratic governments as weak, treasonous, or "Cambodian puppets"
Present military coup as patriotic necessity to "save national sovereignty"
Maintain military-monarchy dominance while appearing to defend national interests
This research reveals that Thailand's border conflicts with Cambodia are not about territory, but about maintaining elite political control through nationalist manipulation. Cambodia consistently seeks peace while Thai political factions weaponize border disputes for domestic power struggles.