Cambodia Shows Rare National Unity in Thai Border Dispute

[geovalin]

KT

 

Cambodia has united across political, social, and institutional lines in backing the government’s decision to take a long-standing border dispute with Thailand to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

 

The move follows a deadly clash on 28 May in the contested Mom Bei area, where a Cambodian soldier was killed. Phnom Penh has condemned the incident as a serious violation of its sovereignty, alleging Thai troops opened fire on a long-established Cambodian position.

 

Prime Minister Hun Manet responded swiftly, declaring that Cambodia will file the case at The Hague over four sensitive locations: Mom Bei and the temples of Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Tauch, and Ta Krabey. The decision, he said, reflects “a firm commitment to international law” and will be pursued unilaterally if necessary.

 

In an unprecedented show of national unity, the country’s first-ever joint session of Parliament—bringing together both the National Assembly and Senate—offered unanimous support. The public followed suit, launching social media campaigns and donating directly to troops on the border. Even the King and Queen Mother joined the effort, each contributing $10,000.

 

“While the government can fully support the army, these gestures are a great encouragement to our forces,” Hun Manet said.

 

The Royal Government has called for calm, urging Cambodians not to let the issue stir ethnic or nationalist tensions. “We emphasise the importance of maintaining normal relations with Thailand,” read a statement on 5 June, stressing continued cooperation in trade and tourism.

 

Thailand, meanwhile, has stated its preference for bilateral talks and existing mechanisms under the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding.

 

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said her country values peace but is prepared to defend its territory if needed.

 

The two nations are set to meet on 14 June in Phnom Penh through the Joint Boundary Commission, although the four disputed sites will not be on the agenda.

 

Cambodia insists its ICJ move is not an act of aggression, but a peaceful assertion of sovereignty—an approach it has taken before, winning key rulings in similar cases in 1962 and 2013.

 

 

-2025-06-06

 

 

[blaze master]

7 minutes ago, geovalin said:

Even the King and Queen Mother joined the effort, each contributing $10,000.

 

 

A staggering amount. Well done.