A diplomatic storm is brewing on the international stage. Cambodia has formally asked the United Nations Security Council for an urgent meeting. The request aims to address what Cambodia calls ongoing border aggression. Officials in Phnom Penh are urging the UN to act quickly.
On July 25, 2025, Mr. Kung Phoak spoke to diplomats and reporters in Cambodia’s capital. He serves as the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. He detailed the key points of a letter from Prime Minister Hun Manet. The letter went to Pakistan, the country holding the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council for July. Cambodia hopes the council will meet tonight, New York time. This would be early morning on July 26 in Southeast Asia.
Cambodia’s letter outlines three main reasons for its urgent appeal:
- It wants to update the Security Council on the serious border situation. This includes what it claims are continuous acts of aggression by the Thai military. Cambodia says it has proof of these actions violating its national borders.
- The letter highlights Thailand’s alleged breach of a 2000 agreement. This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) deals with border mapping. Both nations signed it, and Cambodia stresses it is still legally binding. Yet, Cambodia claims Thailand is ignoring its duties, asserting control over disputed land unilaterally.
- Cambodia proposes a peaceful path forward. It suggests using international law to solve the dispute. Specifically, it asks for the matter to go before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This would cover four disputed areas: Ta Muen Thom, Ta Muen Tod, Ta Kwai temples, and the Emerald Triangle.
Cambodia’s UN Ambassador in New York delivered this letter. The country firmly states its right to self-defense. This right is protected under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. Cambodia denies any claims that its forces started the fighting.
Officials insist all their actions simply protect the country’s independence and land. They base their position on maps from the 1904 and 1907 Franco-Siamese Treaties. They also point to a 1962 ICJ decision. That ruling found in Cambodia’s favor regarding the Preah Vihear Temple. Cambodia hopes the UN Security Council meeting will lead to a fair resolution. The goal is to stop the border violence as soon as possible.