(Ratanakiri): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet reaffirmed that the Cambodian government does not wish for long-standing border issues with neighbouring countries—some dating back centuries—to remain unresolved or become the source of new tensions. He explained that this is why Cambodia has chosen to refer the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), seeking a swift and peaceful resolution.

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 emphasized the importance of resolving lingering historical issues through legal and technical means, rather than through confrontation or hostility.

“We don’t want unresolved issues from centuries ago to remain murky and risk sparking future conflicts. We want to resolve them peacefully, based on legal and technical approaches, rather than creating animosity. Wherever technical solutions have been exhausted, we turn to international law, including the ICJ,” stated Samdech Thipadei.

He added that in areas where both countries are aligned, efforts continue through bilateral mechanisms, such as the joint border commissions, to carry out surveys, demarcate boundaries, and install border posts. These actions, he said, would facilitate easier cross-border interactions for citizens on both sides.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet also highlighted the broader scope of ongoing Cambodia–Thailand relations, noting continued cooperation across all levels—from local military units to national defence ministries, from government institutions to the private sector, and from people-to-people to business-to-business relations. He stressed that these efforts reflect the Cambodian government’s responsible approach in addressing the current border tensions.

The prime minister once again called on the public not to escalate the situation beyond what is necessary—especially not by inciting ethnic hatred or discrimination between the peoples of both nations.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed hope that the Thai government, particularly in the upcoming meeting with Cambodia, will seek common ground and move forward in resolving the remaining border issues—many of which still span several hundred kilometres.
=FRESH NEWS