Cambodia is taking a major step to resolve its long-standing border disputes. The government has set up a high-level committee to prepare documents and evidence for a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The committee will focus on the Emerald Triangle, a border area where Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos meet. It will also look at three ancient temples: Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Touch, and Ta Kwai. These temples have been a point of contention for years, with questions over ownership and borders.
Prime Minister Hun Manet signed the document to establish the committee. It will be led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn. The team includes experts from relevant agencies, with Sok Chenda Sophea as the working group leader and Meng Saktheara, former Minister of Mines and Energy, as a member and secretary.
The committee’s job is to represent Cambodia in the ICJ case, from filing to the end of the process. It will review and decide on international legal advisors to represent the country in The Hague. The team will also gather documents from legal working groups and foreign consultants to submit to the international court.
This move shows Cambodia’s commitment to using international law to resolve border disputes and cultural heritage issues. These are sensitive topics that have been important to the country’s sovereignty for a long time. The outcome could lead to a re-examination of borders and rights over the ancient temples, affecting regional relationships and disputes, especially with Thailand.
Source: KhmerTimes