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Key Points

Cambodia is preparing to take its long-standing border dispute with Thailand to the International Court of Justice, forming a high-level legal committee. Thailand, however, insists on resolving the issue through bilateral talks, as confirmed by PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Tensions flared recently after a deadly clash at the Emerald Triangle border area. Both nations will proceed with a scheduled Joint Boundary Commission meeting on June 14 despite the legal escalation.

Key Points: Cambodia Takes Thailand Border Dispute to ICJ as Tensions Rise

  • Cambodia establishes ICJ legal committee for border dispute
  • Thailand prefers bilateral talks over ICJ intervention
  • Recent military clash escalated tensions at Emerald Triangle
  • Joint Boundary Commission meeting set for June 14
2 min read

Cambodia to take the ongoing border dispute with Thailand to ICJ

Cambodia forms a legal committee to escalate the border conflict with Thailand to the ICJ, while Thailand pushes for bilateral talks amid recent clashes.

"Our commitment to a peaceful approach has yielded positive results. – Paetongtarn Shinawatra"

Phnom Penh, June 11

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has announced the establishment of a high-level documenting committee to build a strong case as the country has decided to take the ongoing border dispute with Thailand to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The high-level documenting committee will be in charge of taking the long-standing case to the ICJ, local media reported on Wednesday.

The move comes at a time when Cambodia and Thailand are scheduled to hold a Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting on June 14 in Phnom Penh, centreing on the border issues.

The Cambodian government on Tuesday stated that it has created the "Committee to Prepare Documents for Filing a Case with the International Court of Justice Regarding the Areas of Mom Bei, Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Moan Tauch Temple, and Ta Krabei Temple."

According to a report by Cambodian newspaper Khmer Times, the committee Chaired by the country's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Prak Sokhonn, "shall have the authority and competence to act on behalf of the Kingdom of Cambodia before the International Court of Justice."

However, Thailand wanted the border issue to be resolved through bilateral mechanisms.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra confirmed that she held discussions with her Cambodian counterpart, Hun Manet, and his father, Senate President and former premier Hun Sen, as they agreed on a mutual commitment to resolve the dispute peacefully through dialogue.

"Our commitment to a peaceful approach has yielded positive results. Through sincere and transparent negotiation techniques, we were able to de-escalate the situation without the need for violent confrontation," Thailand's leading newspaper, Bangkok Post, quoted Paetongtarn as saying.

Thai PM confirmed that the scheduled meeting on June 14 will proceed as planned by both countries.

As Cambodia intends to take the matter to the ICJ, Paetongtarn Shinawatra stated that the Thai government upholds its stance of not accepting ICJ jurisdiction.

The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia escalated after soldiers of both countries briefly exchanged gunfire at the border area of Emerald Triangle on May 28, resulting in the death of a Cambodian soldier.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This shows why border disputes must be resolved through dialogue before they escalate. India has seen this with China and Pakistan. Hope ASEAN can mediate - violence benefits no one. 🙏
P
Priya M.
Interesting how Cambodia is going to ICJ while Thailand prefers bilateral talks. Reminds me of how India-Pakistan disputes end up in international forums. Temple disputes are particularly sensitive - hope they find peaceful solution.
A
Amit S.
Both countries should learn from India-Bangladesh land boundary agreement. Sometimes compromise is needed for lasting peace. But ICJ route may strain relations further - direct talks better option.
S
Sunita R.
The temple areas mentioned are culturally significant to both nations, just like our disputes over religious sites. Sad that a soldier lost his life over this. Hope the June 14 meeting brings some resolution.
V
Vikram J.
Thailand's refusal of ICJ jurisdiction is concerning. International law exists for such disputes. India has benefitted from ICJ rulings in past (like Kulbhushan Jadhav case). Cambodia making right move.
N
Neha P.
The 'Emerald Triangle' area mentioned is same region where India has connectivity projects with Thailand. Border tensions here could affect regional trade and Act East policy. Hope our MEA is watching closely!

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