French President Emmanuel Macron has offered France’s assistance in facilitating a peaceful resolution to the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute, including providing historical documents if needed.

 

The announcement was made following Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet’s visit to Nice, where he met Macron on the sidelines of the UN Oceans Conference. Jean-François Tan, Cambodia’s Minister Delegate for Foreign Affairs, confirmed the development at a press conference on 12 June in Phnom Penh.

 

Macron's offer comes amid ongoing tensions over contested areas along the border, particularly around historic temple sites such as Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Toch, and Ta Krabey. Cambodia maintains these locations are rightfully under its sovereignty, while Thailand has laid its own claims.

 

During the discussions, Hun Manet restated Cambodia’s four-point position: a commitment to peace and cooperation; a push to refer disputes to the International Court of Justice; continued boundary demarcation work via the Joint Boundary Commission; and the preservation of diplomatic ties.

 

Mr Tan stressed that the Cambodian side did not seek French intervention in the dispute, but rather used the meeting to reaffirm its peaceful intentions. Macron, in turn, indicated that France—given its colonial-era archives—could assist by providing relevant documentation to both parties if it might help advance a resolution.

 

Though France is not expected to take a mediating role, the gesture reflects international concern over the potential for renewed tension along the border. The ICJ has previously ruled on similar disputes in the region, including the high-profile case over Preah Vihear temple in 2013.

 

Hun Manet’s engagement with Macron follows recent dialogue with other ASEAN leaders, signalling a regional diplomatic push to settle the long-standing disagreement before it escalates further.

 

For now, the ball remains in the hands of the Cambodian and Thai governments. But with international eyes on the region—and France quietly offering a helping hand—there may be renewed momentum for a peaceful path forward.

 

-2025-06-13

Perhaps they can draw up some more ambiguous and contradictory maps to help things along.