The Cambodian government issued a special statement regarding its decision to bring a long-standing border dispute with Thailand before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Cambodia previously won rulings from the ICJ in 1962 and 2013 regarding similar issues. On June 2, 2025, Cambodia formally submitted the case concerning four sensitive areas—Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Moan Tot Temple, Ta Kwai Temple, and the Mumbai area—to the ICJ in The Hague. The goal is to seek a fair, impartial, and sustainable resolution.
Although Cambodia has committed to diplomacy and will host a Joint Border Commission (JBC) meeting on June 14 in Phnom Penh under an existing bilateral framework, the case submitted to the ICJ will not be on the meeting’s agenda.
On June 4, 2025, Cambodia reiterated in a special statement that its foreign policy is rooted in peace, friendship, and cooperation, especially with neighboring countries. Since gaining independence, and despite past turmoil under the Khmer Rouge regime, Cambodia has upheld commitments to peace along its borders.
Despite various challenges, Cambodia continues to value peaceful borders, even in the face of military tensions and sacrifices. The decision to approach the ICJ again reflects a steadfast adherence to international law and peaceful conflict resolution.
A grave incident occurred on May 28, 2025, when Thai troops allegedly opened fire on Cambodian soldiers at Techo Morakot village in Preah Vihear province—a location long acknowledged as a Cambodian military base. Cambodia formally protested what it called an unprovoked attack, citing it as a serious violation of sovereignty and the 2000 MOU between the two countries.
This incident highlights limitations in current dispute resolution mechanisms. Cambodia's legal move aims to avoid further escalation and was unanimously endorsed by both its National Assembly and Senate.
While pursuing this legal route, Cambodia remains committed to bilateral dialogue and calls on Thailand to engage constructively in the ICJ case. If cooperation is not forthcoming, Cambodia stands ready to proceed unilaterally. The Cambodian government has also urged its citizens to remain calm, refrain from nationalist or ethnic provocations, and maintain normal bilateral relations, particularly in trade, tourism, and other cooperative areas.