TCS vs. Eduquity: A Comparative Analysis of Exam Conducting Agencies

 The historical tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, rooted in centuries-old territorial disputes and cultural rivalries, have periodically erupted into conflicts, with the most notable modern clash being the 2008–2013 border crisis centered around the Preah Vihear Temple. This 11th-century Hindu temple, perched on the Dangrek Mountains, has been a flashpoint due to overlapping territorial claims, exacerbated by colonial-era mapping and nationalist sentiments in both nations.The origins of the dispute trace back to the early 20th century when French colonial authorities, who controlled Cambodia, mapped the border in 1907. The map placed Preah Vihear within Cambodia, despite its location on the Thai side of the natural watershed, which Thailand later contested. Thailand accepted the map initially but raised objections in the 1930s after conducting its own survey. The issue escalated post-World War II when Thailand occupied the temple in 1954, prompting Cambodia to take the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 1959. In 1962, the ICJ ruled in Cambodia’s favor, citing Thailand’s long acquiescence to the 1907 map. However, the ruling did not fully demarcate the surrounding area, leaving room for future disputes.Tensions flared again in 2008 when Cambodia successfully applied for UNESCO World Heritage status for Preah Vihear, a move Thailand’s nationalist groups, particularly the “Yellow Shirts,” perceived as an encroachment on Thai sovereignty. This sparked a series of military skirmishes between 2008 and 2011, with the most intense fighting occurring in February and April 2011. These clashes resulted in at least 34 deaths, including civilians, and displaced thousands of villagers. Both nations accused each other of initiating hostilities, with Thailand deploying artillery and Cambodia responding with rocket fire. The conflict strained diplomatic relations, leading to the downgrading of ties and the recall of ambassadors.Efforts to resolve the crisis included bilateral talks and ASEAN mediation, with Indonesia playing a key role in 2011. The ICJ revisited the case in 2013, reaffirming Cambodia’s sovereignty over the temple and its immediate vicinity, urging both sides to demilitarize the area. Despite this, nationalist fervor and incomplete border demarcation have kept tensions simmering. In 2025, a brief skirmish in the Emerald Triangle region, where a Cambodian soldier was killed, reignited fears of escalation, though both governments expressed a desire for peace.The Thailand-Cambodia conflict underscores the challenges of resolving colonial-era border disputes in the context of modern nationalism. Both nations share deep cultural ties, with the Khmer Empire’s legacy influencing their heritage, yet this shared history often fuels rivalry over cultural ownership. While economic interdependence and ASEAN’s emphasis on peaceful dispute resolution have prevented full-scale war, the lack of a comprehensive border agreement continues to pose risks. For lasting peace, Thailand and Cambodia must prioritize dialogue through the Joint Boundary Commission and address domestic nationalist pressures that perpetuate the cycle of conflict.