Phnom Penh, June 2 (AseanAll) — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has issued a two-point directive to the Cambodian Joint Border Committee (JBC), reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to resolving border disputes peacefully, through technical mechanisms, and international law.
In a social media post on the evening of June 1,2025, Hun Manet instructed the Cambodian JBC to urgently convene a meeting with its Thai counterpart to address ongoing border issues. He also called for continued efforts in boundary demarcation and the planting of border markers between the two countries.
Additionally, the Prime Minister advised the Cambodian JBC to include in the meeting agenda a proposal to bring the disputes surrounding Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Moan Tauch Temple, Ta Krabei Temple, and the Mom Bei area before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Citing recent tensions at the Mom Bei area, Ta Moan Thom, and Ta Moan Toch Temples, Hun Manet noted that the actions of a small group of extremist elements have inflamed nationalist sentiments in both nations—posing a risk of renewed confrontation. He expressed hope that both sides will work collaboratively to find a peaceful resolution, including through continued technical work on boundary demarcation and marker placement in the disputed areas.
“I would like to reiterate that while Cambodia is committed to resolving border issues peacefully through technical mechanisms and international law, the Kingdom reserves the right to defend its territorial integrity by all necessary means—including the use of armed forces—should there be any attempt to violate our sovereignty through military aggression,” Hun Manet stressed.
On the same day, Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, has voiced his strong support for Prime Minister Hun Manet’s plan to bring border issues with Thailand to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
“A little earlier, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet confirmed that Cambodia will bring the issue concerning the Emerald Triangle area (Mom Bei), Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Moan Toch Temple, and Ta Krabey Temple, to the International Court of Justice (ICJ),” he wrote on a social media post on the night of June 1,2025.
The Senate President said he fully supports this move, explaining that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) of 2000 has proven ineffective in clarifying the matter, resulting in frequent accusations and multiple armed conflicts. If the Thai side is truly sincere in resolving the issue, they should jointly agree to bring the case before the court without requiring Cambodia to file a complaint.
“We await Thailand’s stance on this matter—will they dare, or not? While awaiting a resolution, all armed forces must exercise restraint, but also remain fully prepared to respond to any form of aggression,” underlined Hun Sen.
