Politics ASEAN, ASIA, CAMBODIAN PEOPLE ’ S PARTY, CPP, DIPLOMACY, DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS, EMERALD TRIANGLE, EUROPE, EUROPE/ASIA, HU, HUN SEN, IC, ICJ, INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE, INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, LAOS, MOAN TAUCH, PHNOM PENH POST ASIA, RUSSIA, SOVEREIGNTY DISPUTE, UKRAINE, UN Nia Simpson June 14, 2025 0 Comments

Hun Sen Calls for Global Action to Resolve Cambodia-Thailand Border Disputes Through ICJ

Hun Sen urges the global community to pressure Thailand into resolving border disputes with Cambodia via the ICJ. He highlights four disputed territories and emphasizes the need for peaceful dialogue and legal solutions to prevent conflict.

The president of the Cambodian Senate, Hun Sen, has made a heartfelt appeal to the global community to encourage Thailand to address ongoing border disputes with Cambodia through the International Court of Justice (ICJ). He underscores the necessity for a legal and peaceful resolution to avert possible conflict.

In a recent Facebook post, the leader of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) identified four key disputed territories along the Cambodia-Thailand border. Notable among these are the Emerald Triangle region, which is located at the intersection of Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand, as well as the historic temples of Moan Tauch, Ta Moan Thom, and Ta Krabei.

Hun Sen pointed out that the challenges related to these areas, which cover a substantial portion of the 800-kilometer border, are unlikely to be resolved through existing bilateral dialogue—“even in the next century,” he said. Thus, he argues that the ICJ represents the only feasible option for resolution.

In his remarks, Hun Sen drew a parallel with his condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 at the United Nations, expressing concern about potential violations of international law in the region. “I have always believed Thailand might repeat actions similar to those taken between 2008 and 2011. Today, we are witnessing acts of aggression and disregard for international law,” he noted.

Hun Sen emphasized that Cambodia is not looking for conflict but instead seeks a resolution through dialogue and legal avenues. He referenced successful resolutions of territorial disputes by other ASEAN countries, such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, which were effectively handled via the ICJ, enabling them to maintain strong bilateral relations thereafter.

“Resorting to the legal path is not war-mongering. It is a peaceful, lawful approach that prevents future bloodshed and provides clarity to citizens,” argued Hun Sen, as he rallied for a rule-based international order.

Through this appeal, Cambodia aims to pressure Thailand to engage with the ICJ, with the conviction that resolving these disputes is essential for ensuring stability and fostering peaceful coexistence between the neighboring countries.

In summary, Hun Sen’s call to the international community highlights the urgency of addressing Cambodia’s border disputes with Thailand through the ICJ. The emphasis on a peaceful, lawful resolution resonates, especially given regional concerns over international law. By looking to historical examples within ASEAN, Cambodia hopes to establish a framework that ensures lasting stability and cooperation with Thailand.

Original Source: www.nationthailand.com