The first-ever joint Congress of the National Assembly and Senate convened in Phnom Penh this morning, unanimously endorsing the Royal Government of Cambodia’s decision to bring its border dispute with Thailand before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Chaired by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate, the Congress brought together 182 senators and lawmakers and representatives from the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), FUNCINPEC Party, and the Khmer Will Party. All participants expressed full support for the government’s plan to refer the dispute over four sensitive border areas—Mom Bei, Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Moan Tauch Temple, and Ta Krabei Temple—to the ICJ for legal resolution.
In his address to the Congress, Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet emphasised Cambodia’s commitment to peaceful resolution through international legal mechanisms.
“Cambodia hopes that Thailand will agree to jointly bring this issue before the ICJ in a spirit of fairness and mutual trust,” he said. “Even if the Thai side does not agree, Cambodia is prepared to proceed unilaterally. This is essential to prevent a handful of extremists in both countries from reigniting tensions and provoking repeated confrontations.”
Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen echoed the Prime Minister’s statement, explaining that taking the dispute to the ICJ could reduce political pressure on both governments and pave the way for a long-overdue resolution.
Nevertheless, Samdech Techo Hun Sen stressed that bilateral mechanisms with Thailand will remain in place and urged the public not to escalate the issue into an ethnic or nationalist conflict. He also underscored the importance of maintaining normal relations in trade, tourism, and other areas of cooperation.
The Senate-National Assembly Congress, a new political platform organised at the request of Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, demonstrates the democratic process and the highest responsibility of the government to Cambodian people, who overwhelmingly elected the 7th legislature on July 23, 2023.
According to Cambodian law, a congress by the NA and Senate is convened when necessary or to resolve national issues, including those related to independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
