PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Cambodia is preparing to bring a border dispute case against Thailand to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) following a deadly confrontation between the two nations’ military forces last week.
The Cambodian National Assembly, dominated by Prime Minister Hun Manet’s Cambodian People’s Party, voted in favor of pursuing legal action. Cambodia seeks clarity over territorial disputes that have been a point of contention since the ICJ initially ruled in its favor in 1962, an outcome reaffirmed by the court in 2013. The historical dispute concerns land surrounding an ancient temple, a source of ongoing tension with Thailand.
Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa commented at a recent meeting in Paris, acknowledging Cambodia’s right to approach the ICJ but insisting that it should not interfere with existing diplomatic avenues. Thai officials are set to convene later this week to solidify their stance on the escalating situation.
On social media, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, expressed a commitment to resolving the issue peacefully, aiming to avoid military escalations that would harm both countries.
The recent conflict stemmed from an incident at Morokot village in Cambodia’s northwestern Preah Vihear province, where one Cambodian soldier died. Cambodian officials allege the clash commenced during a routine border patrol, with Thai troops firing first. Conversely, the Thai military claims Cambodian forces entered disputed territory and instigated the confrontation.
In a public statement, Hun Manet affirmed that his government will request ICJ intervention to adjudicate several disputed regions, including the location of the significant Hindu-style temples Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Toch, and Ta Kro Bei.
The ongoing tensions resurfaced earlier this year when Cambodian soldiers and family members reportedly sang their national anthem at the Ta Moan Thom temple, an act that momentarily heightened military tensions with Thailand.
Following last week’s violent encounter, Cambodian and Thai leaders called for restraint and dialogue as their top military officials met to discuss measures to avert further hostilities. Hun Manet championed the continuation of the Joint Border Commission’s demarcation work but emphasized the necessity of ICJ intervention to achieve a lasting resolution, independent of Thailand’s participation.
He urged against succumbing to the provocations of extremist factions in either nation, cautioning against military confrontations.
Resorting to the ICJ over border disputes, primarily involving the Preah Vihear temple, might provoke strong nationalist sentiments in Thailand, touching on domestic political sensitivities. This is particularly pertinent considering previous critiques of the Thai government’s attempts to engage with Cambodia over maritime boundary demarcations, which involve potentially lucrative resources.
Historically, the area around Preah Vihear has been a flashpoint; it is noteworthy for a series of deadly exchanges in 2008, set against the backdrop of the ancient temple that gained status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site that same year.