(Ratanakiri): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet reaffirmed that referring the Cambodia–Thailand border dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) does not constitute an act of war against Thailand, but rather reflects an effort to resolve a long-standing issue through peaceful and legal means.

The premier spoke on Saturday (Jun. 7) at the inauguration of school buildings and achievements in the education sector in Ratanakiri Province.

“Whatever the court rules, Cambodia will accept, recognise, and move forward. Referring the matter to the ICJ is not an act of war but a means to extinguish tensions and avoid unnecessary conflict, as war causes casualties on both sides and brings no true victory,” the premier underscored.

According to Samdech Thipadei, the Royal Government’s position on referring the case—concerning the Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Moan Tauch Temple, Ta Krabei Temple, and the Emerald Triangle area—to the ICJ is to pursue a peaceful and lasting resolution to the border dispute in a timely manner, rather than allowing it to remain unresolved and potentially trigger further tensions along the frontier.

Despite initiating legal proceedings at the ICJ, Cambodia remains committed to bilateral mechanisms in addressing the Cambodia–Thailand border issue, Samdech Thipadei noted.

On the occasion, the premier also rejected opposition claims that Cambodia’s decision to refer the case to the ICJ and to conclude the Cambodia–Laos–Viet Nam (CLV) cooperation framework was politically motivated. He clarified that the ICJ handles numerous international cases and is not focused solely on Cambodian matters. Each case is subject to careful review before being accepted.

Samdech Thipadei added that Cambodia does not wish for the lingering border disputes with its neighbours—some of which have remained unresolved for centuries—to continue in an ambiguous and problematic manner. For this reason, the Royal Government has chosen to present the case to the International Court of Justice.
=FRESH NEWS