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International cooperation

Cambodia Responds to Thailand's Misleading Statement on Border Dispute

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Cambodia has reaffirmed its commitment to peacefully resolving the border dispute with Thailand, citing international law and its own good faith adherence to treaty obligations. This response comes after a recent statement by Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs incorrectly stated Cambodia's position on the matter. The Cambodian government has also emphasized Thailand's failure to fulfill its obligations under the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding on the Survey and Demarcation of Land Boundary (MoU 2000). In addition, Cambodia has announced its decision to refer the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to seek a peaceful resolution.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cambodia reaffirms its commitment to peaceful settlement of border disputes, in accordance with international law, the UN Charter, and the ASEAN Charter.
  • Thailand has failed to fulfill its core obligations under the MoU 2000, specifically Article 1, which affirms maps produced by the Franco-Siamese Commissions of Delimitation of the Boundary between Indochina and Siam as the basis for boundary demarcation.
  • Thailand has imposed and applied unilaterally drawn maps, constituting a material breach of international law and the MoU 2000.
  • The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has been recognized as a legitimate forum for adjudicating international legal disputes, including boundary matters.
  • Cambodia calls upon Thailand to comply with its treaty obligations, including the MoU 2000, and to engage constructively in the peaceful settlement of disputes through the ICJ.
  • The Cambodian government has censured Thailand's actions as acts of provocation and demonstrated unwillingness to respect the mutually agreed framework for joint demarcation.
  • The Cambodian government has underscored its commitment to respecting the MoU 2000 and adhering to principles of sovereign equality and peaceful dispute resolution as enshrined in the UN Charter.

Statistics:

  • The Cambodian-Thai border dispute has been ongoing since at least 2000.
  • The MoU 2000, signed on June 14, 2000, remains legally binding on both States.
  • Thailand has made persistent violations of the MoU 2000 since its signing.
  • The ICJ is recognized as a principal judicial organ of the United Nations, with authority to adjudicate international legal disputes.

Sources:

  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia
  • Royal Government of Cambodia
  • United Nations (UN Charter and ASEAN Charter)

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