In 1962, Cambodia and Thailand had an important border dispute between both states addressed by the International Court of Justice.  The case concerned whether a particular temple belonged to Cambodia or to Thailand.

It thus became known as The Case of the Temple at Preah Vihear.  The court found that Cambodia had title to the temple on the basis that Thailand’s actions had recognised Cambodia’s sovereignty over the relevant area.

Two actions proved decisive in the Temple Case.  First, Cambodia sent a map of the temple area to Thailand, indicating that the temple belonged to Cambodia.  Thailand expressed its gratitude for the map, and did not protest about it.  Secondly, a leader of Thailand visited the temple and accepted the hospitality of the Cambodian (French) authorities during the visit.  Thailand was estopped from denying Cambodian title over the temple.