The Royal Government of Cambodia has reiterated its request for Thailand to cooperate in submitting their border disputes to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), a move to reaffirm their commitment to peaceful and legal resolution.
H.E. Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, made the appeal in an official letter addressed to his Thai counterpart on June 6, 2025.
H.E. Chum Sounry, Secretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, quoted the letter in full, stating:
“I write to you in the spirit of friendship and with a sincere commitment to the peaceful and harmonious coexistence of our two nations.
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 misunderstandingand 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.”
The spokesperson took the opportunity to reaffirm the goodwill and strong commitment of the Royal Government of Cambodia to pursuing peaceful solutions and maintaining a steadfast approach to border issues with neighbouring 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 Bei 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 H.E. Deputy Prime Minister in the above message, concluded H.E. Chum Sounry.
