Cambodia Proceeds with UN Request to Bring Dispute with Thailand to General Assembly, Citing Thai Firing First and Fear of Escalating Conflict

Cambodia Proceeds with UN Request to Bring Dispute with Thailand to General Assembly, Citing Thai Firing First and Fear of Escalating Conflict

The United Nations (UN) database published a letter from Cambodia sent by the Permanent Representative of Cambodia to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, requesting to include the military clashes and border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia as an agenda item for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) under the topic “Prevention of armed conflict.” 

Attached was a letter submitted to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) expressing the intention to file a lawsuit in the court, dated June 15.

It stated that, in accordance with the instructions of my Government, I wish to inform you that on June 15, 2025, the Government of Cambodia sent a letter to the Registrar of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to express its intention to submit an application concerning the unresolved border issues between Cambodia and Thailand, in accordance with the procedures stipulated by the Court.

Despite the French-Siamese Treaties of 1904 and 1907, as well as the maps drawn up by the Indochinese-Siamese Border Demarcation Commission in accordance with both treaties, the border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia has continued for decades, even after the International Court of Justice issued judgments in 1962 and again in 2013. Both cases affirmed Cambodia’s sovereignty over the Preah Vihear Temple and its surrounding area.

Tensions persist in the surrounding areas, including Mom Bei, Tamone Thom Temple, Tamone Touch Temple, and Ta Krabey Temple.

Most recently, on May 28, 2025, a heavy armed confrontation occurred in the Mom Bei area. The Thai army opened fire on Cambodian military units stationed on Cambodian sovereign territory, resulting in the tragic death of one Cambodian soldier. Subsequently, thousands of heavily armed forces were deployed to both sides of the border, raising questions about a major conflict reigniting, similar to 2008-2011. Such escalating violence poses a threat not only to our two nations but also to regional security and stability.

Cambodia has consistently supported the peaceful resolution of disputes through negotiation, in accordance with international law, always striving to promote mutual respect and understanding with Thailand.

However, repeated bilateral negotiation efforts have failed, hampered by Thailand’s lack of political will, its continued reliance on unilaterally drawn maps, and actions that violate Cambodia’s sovereignty.

The recent threat by Thailand’s Second Army Region Commander to resolve the dispute by force exemplifies an unfriendly pattern of behavior. Another worrying development is the widespread rise of extreme nationalism, largely fueled by irresponsible statements from the Thai military and some politicians.

Given the seriousness and urgency of the current situation, and in line with our utmost commitment to prevent the current tensions from escalating into an armed conflict that endangers civilian lives, the Government of Cambodia has no choice but to seek a resolution through the International Court of Justice, requesting adjudication of the long-standing border dispute concerning the four aforementioned locations.

We firmly believe that peace can only endure when built upon a solid foundation of justice, impartiality, and respect for international law, so that the peoples of both countries can coexist as good neighbors.

I would be grateful if you would circulate this letter and its annex as a document of the 79th session of the General Assembly under agenda item 32, “Prevention of armed conflict.” 

[Khaosod English]

#Thailand #Cambodia #UN