Thailand has strongly criticized Cambodia for submitting a border temple dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), bypassing bilateral negotiation frameworks established between the two countries. The move, announced by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on June 16, 2025, has been described by Thai officials as undermining ongoing diplomatic efforts and violating established international procedures.
Cambodia’s official submission to the ICJ was delivered by its ambassador to the Netherlands, Kim Sour Sovannary, and covers contested areas surrounding Prasat Ta Muean Thom, Prasat Ta Muean Tot, Prasat Ta Kwai, and the Mumbai area. Prime Minister Hun Manet stated via social media that the action was aimed at protecting national sovereignty and the interests of the Khmer people.
Responding the same day, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra emphasized that Thailand does not accept the ICJ’s jurisdiction in this matter. She noted that comprehensive legal and historical assessments have already been completed in preparation for any further proceedings.
The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs echoed this position, stating that Cambodia’s decision to proceed unilaterally represents a breach of the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU 43), which outlines that disputes must be addressed through mutual dialogue before international mechanisms are involved. Officials noted that Cambodia declined to engage on the topic during the 6th Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting held in Phnom Penh on June 14–15.
Nikorndej Balankura, Director-General of the Department of Information, expressed disappointment that the four temple sites were excluded from the recent JBC discussions. Meanwhile, Benjamean Sukajanajtee, head of the Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs, described the move to the ICJ as “skipping procedural steps” under international norms.
While Thailand awaits official notification from Cambodia or the ICJ, it has assembled a legal advisory team with international experts. Officials have emphasized their intention to pursue peaceful and legally sound solutions and warned against politicizing the matter or reacting emotionally in the public domain.
Despite diplomatic friction, technical cooperation on border demarcation is continuing. Prasas Prasasvinitchai, who leads Thailand’s delegation to the JBC, reported that the latest session was the most productive to date, with 45 of 74 boundary markers already agreed upon. Updated maps are being developed jointly using Orthophoto and LIDAR technology, favoring a 1:50,000 scale for accuracy, contrary to media reports citing less detailed scales.
Looking ahead, Thailand has proposed hosting a special JBC meeting in September, a plan that Cambodian authorities have reportedly accepted. Thai officials reaffirmed that bilateral mechanisms, including the JBC, General Border Committee (GBC), and Regional Border Committee (RBC), remain the preferred channels for resolving disputes, in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.
Legal references continue to rely on the Franco-Siam Treaties of 1904 and 1907, which both parties acknowledge as binding frameworks. Temple-related disputes have long been a sensitive issue in Thai-Cambodian relations, representing deep-seated historical tensions within the region.
