Scenario Injection 9: Border Conflicts

INJECTION 9: CAMBODIA-VIETNAM BORDER FRICTION (EVENT+26 WEEKS)

Tensions are increasing along the Cambodia-Vietnam border.
The “cluster” of disasters associated with Typhoon 2009001 include massive displacement of populations into Vietnam and Thailand, increasing death tolls attributable to cholera and unknown respiratory disease that appears similar to Avian Influenza.

Regional food shortages have sent prices and tensions soaring. Cambodia and Vietnamese forces have positioned themselves at locations along their boarder (Figure 1) with initial skirmishes being reported. Force size has been estimated at between 1000-2000 troops on each side. There have been no direct fatalities; however, the tensions have effected the movement of supplies and food in the region.

Preparation by Vietnam has mitigated the potential crisis along the border by setting up a regional “resilience network” to facilitate collaboration and cooperation.