(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn sent a letter to his Thai counterpart on Sunday (Jun. 6), urging Thailand to jointly submit their longstanding border disputes to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
According to Chum Sounry,
Spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Cambodian foreign minister wrote the letter in the spirit of friendship and with a sincere commitment to the peaceful and harmonious coexistence of our two nations.
Chum Sounry quoted the letter:
“As Your Excellency is aware, the longstanding border disputes between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Kingdom of Thailand have persisted over many decades, despite numerous bilateral mechanisms and goodwill efforts aimed at resolution. These unresolved issues have, regrettably, remained a source of recurring misunderstanding and tension and have led to several unfortunate incidents.
Most recently, on 28 May 2025, a serious confrontation occurred in Techo Morokot Village, Morokot Commune, Choam Khsan District, Preah Vihear Province, when Thai military forces opened fire on a Cambodian army position, resulting in the death of a Cambodian soldier.
This incident has further underscored the urgency of finding a sustainable and peaceful resolution.
Given the complexity, historical nature, and sensitivity of these disputes, it is increasingly evident that bilateral dialogue alone may no longer suffice to bring about a comprehensive and lasting solution.
In this context, the Royal Government of Cambodia believes that the most appropriate and peaceful path forward is to submit the matters related to Mom Bei, Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Moan Tauch Temple, and Ta Krabei Temple to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for adjudication.
A decision rendered by the ICJ, grounded in international law, would offer a fair, impartial, and durable resolution. It would provide much-needed clarity on our respective territorial boundaries and, more importantly, help foster an environment of lasting peace, stability, and cooperation between our two countries. Such a course of action would also affirm our mutual commitment to upholding the rule of law, preserving regional harmony, and advancing the shared prosperity of our peoples within the ASEAN community.
In light of the above, I respectfully urge the Royal Thai Government to consider joining the Royal Government of Cambodia in referring our border disputes to the International Court of Justice. Let us seize this opportunity to reaffirm our joint commitment to peaceful dialogue, legal resolution, and a future of good neighbourliness."
Taking this opportunity, Chum Sounry also reaffirm the goodwill and strong commitment of the Government of Cambodia to pursuing peaceful solutions and maintaining a steadfast approach to border issues with neighboring countries, including Thailand, contrary to accusations made by certain groups in Thailand.
The Royal Government of Cambodia’s decision to refer the issue concerning the Mom Bey area, Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Moan Tauch Temple, and Ta Krabei Temple to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) aims to achieve a solution that is fair, impartial, and lasting, as clearly explained by foreign minister in the above message.
=FRESH NEWS
