Cambodia is set to bring a long-standing border dispute with Thailand before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), moving ahead despite ongoing talks aimed at easing tensions.
Officials from both countries met on Saturday to reduce fears of military clashes along their shared 820-kilometer border. Parts of this boundary are not clearly defined and include ancient temples claimed by both sides for decades.
The latest tension arose after a brief skirmish on May 28 that resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier. Both nations have since mobilized troops to the area, raising concerns of further conflict.
On Friday, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet affirmed plans to unilaterally take the case to the ICJ to determine control over four disputed areas: Mom Bei, Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Moan Tauch Temple, and Ta Krabei Temple.
“Even if the Thai side refuses or remains silent, Cambodia will proceed unilaterally,” Hun Manet said. “Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation will send an official letter to the ICJ on Sunday, June 15, 2025, regarding the disputes in these four areas.”
Thailand prefers to resolve the issue through bilateral discussions. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed hope for a peaceful solution via dialogue.
“The Thai government hopes to use the platform to resolve the situation peacefully,” Paetongtarn posted on her Facebook page.
A meeting of the Joint Boundary Commission is being held in Phnom Penh over the weekend, but a resolution is not expected at this time. It remains unclear when any agreements might be reached.
