Thailand's unilateral border maps possibly responsible for tensions with Cambodia

[geovalin]

 

 

A long-standing border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand has reignited debate, as new allegations surface over Thailand’s use of unilateral maps to assert territorial claims — maps that critics say hold no weight under international law.

 

At the centre of this decades-old controversy lies the Temple of Preah Vihear. In 1962, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that the temple sits on Cambodian soil, citing a colonial-era map — the “Annexe I map” — which Thailand was deemed to have accepted. Despite this, Thailand has continued to rely on independently drawn maps that critics argue contradict international rulings and muddy the path to peace.

 

These maps, notably the L7017 and L7018 series, have never been accepted by Cambodia and lack legal standing under international norms. Cambodia has repeatedly rejected them, asserting that unilateral cartography undermines negotiations and fuels mistrust.

 

Tensions escalated again on 9 June 2025, when the Royal Thai Armed Forces presented aerial images to support their claim over the disputed Chong Bok area. While Cambodia bases its claims on maps tied to the 1907 Franco-Siamese Treaty, Thailand now cites newer, more detailed military maps.

 

The concern isn’t just about where the lines fall, but how they’re drawn — and who gets to draw them. Critics argue that Thailand’s persistent use of unilateral maps hints at a reluctance to face international scrutiny. Despite presenting evidence to bolster its stance, Thailand has repeatedly discouraged Cambodia from returning to the ICJ, fuelling suspicions of legal uncertainty.

 

For a resolution to be credible, both nations must commit to transparent, law-based dialogue. As the region looks to avoid further conflict, the call is clear: borders must be shaped by mutual recognition, not by force or one-sided lines.

 

 

-2025-06-14

 

[Scouse123]

Thailand doesn't want to go to the ICJ because it felt humiliated in 1962, and it fears a similar outcome if Cambodia were to go to the ICJ again.

[Srikcir]

On 6/14/2025 at 9:17 AM, geovalin said:

Thailand now cites newer, more detailed military maps.

And using a Sharpe, now includes the whole of Cambodia.

Conflict closed.

[Scouse123]

Thailand and their Chinese neighbour are very good at drawing up unilateral maps.

 

Thailand on its land maps and China on its sea maps.

[placnx]

8 hours ago, Scouse123 said:

Thailand doesn't want to go to the ICJ because it felt humiliated in 1962, and it fears a similar outcome if Cambodia were to go to the ICJ again.

Maybe Thailand should go to the ICJ with a very good law firm this time, and hopefully the opposing party will not have a retired US foreign minister as its legal counsel. Remember that 1962 was in the Cold War era.

 

Also, now the 1907 map can be forensically investigated. It makes no sense that Cambodia would have one bit of territory on the top of an escarpment that delineates the dividing line between the countries.

[Scouse123]

9 minutes ago, placnx said:

Maybe Thailand should go to the ICJ with a very good law firm this time, and hopefully the opposing party will not have a retired US foreign minister as its legal counsel. Remember that 1962 was in the Cold War era.

 

Also, now the 1907 map can be forensically investigated. It makes no sense that Cambodia would have one bit of territory on the top of an escarpment that delineates the dividing line between the countries.

 

Wrong thread.