PHNOM PENH — Tensions are rising between Thailand and Cambodia over a long-standing border dispute, as the Thai government calls for bilateral negotiations while Cambodia moves toward bringing the matter before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
In a statement released on June 4, Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the issue through peaceful dialogue, advocating the use of existing bilateral mechanisms such as the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), the General Border Committee (GBC), and regional border committees.
The Thai government also confirmed that Cambodia has agreed to a proposed meeting in Phnom Penh on June 14 to discuss the dispute. Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has acknowledged the scheduled meeting.
The disagreement centers around four contested areas along the border—Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Toch, Ta Krabei, and the Mum Bei area, also referred to as the Emerald Triangle. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet earlier this week declared his government’s intention to submit the case to the ICJ, citing the lack of tangible progress under existing frameworks.
Thailand, however, reiterated its preference for peaceful resolution through existing diplomatic channels. “As Cambodia’s neighbour, Thailand remains committed to resolving the dispute peacefully based on international law, treaties, and agreements, including the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding and various evidentiary materials such as satellite images,” the statement said.
The situation escalated further following a deadly border incident on May 28, in which a Cambodian soldier was killed. Thailand maintains that its troops acted in self-defence, while Cambodia’s National Assembly and Senate Congress strongly condemned the incident, calling it “a serious violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Cambodia.”
On June 2, Cambodia’s two top legislative bodies unanimously voted—182 out of 182 members—in support of Prime Minister Hun Manet’s plan to take the dispute to the ICJ. The joint session also reaffirmed the government’s position that any further delay in resolution would be unacceptable after 25 years of inconclusive negotiations under the 2000 MoU.
“The Assembly condemns the illegal attack by Thai troops… and endorses resolving these issues at the International Court of Justice,” the statement read. Lawmakers also backed Hun Manet’s call for calm: “We must extinguish the fire rather than fan the flames.”
Despite escalating rhetoric, both countries have emphasized the importance of de-escalation and preserving bilateral relations. The Thai government expressed confidence that “Thailand and Cambodia can resolve issues together as good neighbours,” while Cambodian lawmakers echoed the need to uphold peace and stability in the spirit of ASEAN cooperation.
— ANN / Phnom Penh Post
