File picture courtesy of Khaosod

 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued an official response following Cambodia’s recent communication to the United Nations, in which it declared its intent to bring the two nations’ longstanding border dispute before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The move comes in the wake of a deadly border clash between Thai and Cambodian troops in late May.

 

In a statement Mr. Nikorndej Balankura, Director-General of the Department of Information and spokesperson for the Thai Foreign Ministry, outlined Thailand’s position after Cambodia requested that the matter be included on the UN General Assembly agenda under the topic “Prevention of Armed Conflict.”

 

Cambodia’s UN Submission

 

According to official UN records, Cambodia’s letter, dated 15 June 2025, formally notified the UN of its intent to file an application with the ICJ concerning unresolved border disputes with Thailand. The letter highlighted escalating tensions along the border, referencing earlier ICJ rulings and the 1904 and 1907 French-Siamese Treaties, which Cambodia claims affirm its sovereignty over the Preah Vihear Temple and surrounding sites.

 

The submission cited several flashpoints of contention, including Mom Bei, Tamone Thom Temple, Tamone Touch Temple, and Ta Krabey Temple. Most notably, it referenced an armed confrontation on 28 May 2025 in the Mom Bei area, during which Cambodia alleges that Thai forces opened fire on Cambodian troops within Cambodian territory, killing one Cambodian soldier.

 

Cambodia further accused Thailand of lacking the political will to pursue bilateral negotiations in good faith, unilaterally relying on disputed maps, and making threats of force through its Second Army Region Commander. The letter also raised concern over what it described as rising ultra-nationalist rhetoric from Thai political and military figures.

 

Thailand’s Diplomatic Response

 

Thailand’s response was formally lodged with the UN on 19 June. In a letter to the UN Secretary-General, the Thai Permanent Representative to the UN transmitted a government statement dated 18 June clarifying Thailand’s position.

 

The Thai statement reaffirmed the country’s commitment to international law and referenced the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU2000) between Thailand and Cambodia as the governing framework for resolving border issues. Thailand emphasised that it remains committed to bilateral negotiations and peaceful dialogue, as previously agreed by both parties.

 

Both Cambodia’s and Thailand’s letters have now been officially registered under agenda item 32 of the 79th UN General Assembly session. According to the UN Secretariat, this process enables member states to place their positions on official record and to inform the wider international community.

 

Rising Tensions Online and On the Ground

 

The diplomatic manoeuvring has been mirrored by heightened tensions both online and in real-world interactions at the disputed border zones.

 

On 5 July, a verbal confrontation occurred at the Ta Kwai Temple in Phanom Dong Rak district, Surin province, where a Cambodian man was filmed shouting provocations at Thai tourists, claiming the area as Cambodian territory. Thai military personnel intervened to de-escalate the situation, reportedly telling the man: “War doesn’t make anything better.”

 

In another incident the same day, a Cambodian woman wearing a national flag as a shawl was denied entry to the temple grounds by Thai soldiers, who explained that politically symbolic displays were prohibited in such sensitive areas. The refusal prompted criticism from some Cambodian nationals and fuelled further online disputes between netizens from both countries.

 

Outlook

 

With both sides now having formally submitted their positions to the UN, attention turns to whether Cambodia will follow through with its intended filing at the ICJ. Meanwhile, diplomatic observers are calling for restraint and renewed commitment to peaceful negotiation, warning that rising nationalism and confrontational rhetoric risk further destabilising an already fragile situation.

 

Related article:

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1365537-thailand-rejects-google’s-claim-on-disputed-surin-temple-ruins/

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-07-06

 

 

 

They need this to divert attention away from the real problems

11 minutes ago, JoePai said:

They need this to divert attention away from the real problems

I would think the military and the royalist establishment want this so as to create problems to destabalise the government and set the scene for a coup sometime down the line. Just my opinion.

Thailand signaled acceptance of the ICJ ruling by ignoring the original ICJ rulings until the time to appeal had passed.

 

What was the final decision on Preah Vihear in 2013?

The Court found that Thailand had indeed accepted the map and concluded that the Temple was situated on Cambodian territory. It also held that Thailand was under an obligation to withdraw any military or police force stationed there and to restore to Cambodia any objects removed from the ruins since 1954.