Phnom Penh
Cambodia has decided to bring its border dispute with Thailand to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Prime Minister Hun Manet announced the creation of a high-level committee to prepare documents for the case.
The new committee will be led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Prak Sokhonn. It will handle all legal matters related to Cambodia's claims over areas near the Mom Bei, Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Tauch, and Ta Krabei temples. The goal is to build a strong case to present before the ICJ.
The decision follows rising tensions between the two countries after a border clash on May 28 in the Emerald Triangle. One Cambodian soldier was killed during a brief exchange of gunfire with Thai forces.
Despite Cambodia’s move toward legal action, both nations are still set to hold a Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting on June 14 in Phnom Penh. The meeting was arranged to discuss peaceful solutions to the ongoing dispute.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said her government prefers solving the issue through bilateral talks. She confirmed her meetings with Cambodian leaders and stressed the importance of peaceful negotiation. She added that previous talks have helped reduce tensions without violence.
Thailand, however, has made it clear that it does not accept the ICJ’s authority over the matter. Cambodia’s plan to go to court adds new pressure ahead of the upcoming JBC meeting.
Both sides continue to publicly support dialogue, but deep disagreements remain over how to resolve the issue legally and diplomatically.