(Ratanakiri): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet affirmed that Cambodia will not abandon bilateral mechanisms in addressing the border dispute with Thailand, emphasizing that the move to bring the matter before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is not a provocation of war, but rather an effort to peacefully resolve the issue. He reiterated that Cambodia will accept the ICJ’s verdict, regardless of the outcome.

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

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet clarified that the Cambodian government continues to cooperate with Thailand to advance boundary demarcation and the placement of border markers for areas outside the four sensitive areas that Cambodia has submitted to the ICJ. This effort is being facilitated through the bilateral Joint Border Commission (JBC).

“We are not abandoning bilateral mechanisms. Our engagement continues through multiple frameworks—between foreign ministries, defence ministries, and border authorities. On the border issue, we’ve made progress on approximately 200 of the 800 kilometres, identifying 44 out of 73 border posts. However, much remains to be done, with hundreds of kilometres still to be demarcated,” stated Samdech Thipadei.

On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet also explained that in locations where negotiations remain deadlocked, a third party may need to step in to help mediate the dispute. For other areas, both sides must continue implementing existing bilateral mechanisms in accordance with prior agreements.

He stressed that the resolution of border post demarcation between Cambodia and Thailand should proceed through technical channels. If stalemates persist, international mechanisms must be used to ensure a fair outcome. He reiterated that bringing the dispute to the ICJ is intended to avoid prolonged tension and avert armed conflict. Cambodia will fully respect the ICJ's decision.

Premier Hun Manet expressed hope that the upcoming 14 June 2025 meeting would address unresolved issues beyond the four sites, in line with the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding and prior agreements.
=FRESH NEWS