Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prak Sokhonn, has called on Thailand to join him in taking their long-standing border dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
This move comes after a series of failed bilateral attempts to resolve the issue.
The dispute has led to recurring misunderstandings and tensions between the two nations, including a recent clash at Ta Muen Thom temple.
Prak Sokhonn sent a formal letter to his Thai counterpart, Don Pramudwinai, on June 6, suggesting they work together to bring the matter before the ICJ.
According to the Phnom Penh Post, Sokhonn wrote that despite efforts to resolve the dispute through bilateral mechanisms, the issue remains unresolved and has led to several unfortunate incidents.
A recent incident on May 28, in which Thai troops fired on a Cambodian military base, killing one soldier, highlighted the need for a peaceful and lasting solution.
Given the complexity and historical nature of the dispute, Sokhonn believes that bilateral negotiations alone may not be enough to find a comprehensive and permanent solution.
The Cambodian government thinks the best way forward is to let the ICJ rule on the issues related to the Moung Bey, Ta Muen Thom, Ta Muen Toch, and Ta Kwai temples.
Prak Sokhonn says the ICJ’s decision will be fair, impartial, and lasting, helping to clarify the border between the two countries and promoting a long-term atmosphere of peace, stability, and cooperation.
The ICJ ruling would be based on international law.
Sokhonn is asking the Thai government to work with Cambodia to bring the dispute before the ICJ and use this opportunity to reaffirm their shared commitment to peaceful negotiations, legal solutions, and friendly coexistence in the future.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said earlier that Cambodia will take the dispute to the ICJ to get a clear resolution, as previous bilateral mechanisms have not been effective.
At the same time, he confirmed that in areas without severe conflict, they will continue to solve the issues through the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding.
Source: Phnom Penh Post.