2003 Phnom Penh riots

In January 2003, a Cambodian newspaper article falsely alleged that Thai actress Suvanant Kongying claimed that the Angkor Wat belonged to Thailand. Other Cambodian print and radio media picked up the report and furthered nationalistic sentiments, which resulted in riots in Phnom Penh on 29 January where the Thai embassy was burned and commercial properties of Thai businesses were vandalized. The riots reflect the fluid historical relationship between Thailand and Cambodia, as well as the economic, cultural and political factors involving the two countries.

Operation Pochentong 1
ប្រតិបត្តិការពោធិ៍ចិនតុង ១
ปฏิบัติการโปเชนตง 1
Date29-30 January 2003
Location
Phnom Penh International Airport
Result Thai citizens safely left Cambodia
Belligerents
 Thailand
Cambodian government
Cambodian rioters
Commanders and leaders

Thaksin Shinawatra
Surayud Chulanont
Somtat Attanand
Kongsak Wattana
Taweesak Somapha

Tea Banh
n/a
Strength

110 special forces
5 C-130
1 Alenia G.222
600 Cambodian officers


backup unit:

1 aircraft carrier
4 frigates
~1300 rioters
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