(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet announced that the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Border Committee (JBC) will convene tomorrow—marking the first meeting after a 12-year hiatus.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet affirmed that Cambodia is awaiting Thailand’s official position at the upcoming JBC meeting on whether it will cooperate in bringing the four disputed areas to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). He made it clear to the public that, regardless of Thailand’s response, Cambodia will move forward with a unilateral submission to the ICJ on June 15, 2025. The four disputed sites are: Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Moan Tauch Temple, Ta Krabei Temple, and the Emerald Triangle area bordering Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand.

Samdech Thipadei wrote on his social media on Friday (Jun. 13) as follows:

“On Saturday, 14 June 2025, Cambodia and Thailand’s Joint Border Committee (JBC) will meet for the first time in 12 years. Cambodia continues to work with Thailand to push forward the demarcation and installation of remaining border markers (excluding the four disputed areas mentioned above) through the JBC mechanism.

I would like to inform my fellow citizens that two key issues will not be discussed in tomorrow’s JBC meeting:

1. The disputes over Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Moan Tauch Temple, Ta Krabei Temple, and the Emerald Triangle area will not be on the JBC agenda, as Cambodia has already decided to refer them to the ICJ. Cambodia now awaits Thailand’s position—whether it will join in submitting the case. If Thailand refuses or fails to respond, Cambodia will proceed with a unilateral submission to the ICJ on Sunday, June 15, 2025, via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

2. The issue of border closures will also be excluded from the JBC agenda, as decisions on opening or closing checkpoints fall outside its jurisdiction. The unilateral border closure by the Thai military on June 7 can just as easily be resolved—by Thailand reopening the checkpoints unilaterally to restore the previous status quo.

Cambodia has no intention of disrupting cross-border travel or trade for Thai or Cambodian citizens. However, the Kingdom stands fully prepared to respond appropriately to any threats or external pressure.

I must stress that Cambodia did not initiate this issue and should not be expected to resolve it first. What was done unilaterally must be undone unilaterally. There is no need for negotiation. Whoever started the problem must be the one to end it.”
=FRESH NEWS