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Prime ministers

Cambodia's Prime Minister Warns Thailand Over Border Dispute: "We Will Not Back Down"

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet has issued a stern warning to Thailand, stating that any unilateral action to block Cambodian citizens from entering the disputed Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Toch, Ta Krabei temples, and Mom Bei area will lead to severe consequences. Speaking during the National Fish Day ceremony in Takeo province, Mr. Hun Manet emphasized that the territorial disputes over these sites remain unresolved and are still under consideration by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). He rejected any attempt to impose new maps unilaterally and reaffirmed Cambodia's commitment to peacefully resolving the issue through dialogue and legal mechanisms.

Key Takeaways:

  • The territorial disputes over Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Toch, Ta Krabei temples, and Mom Bei area remain unresolved and are still under consideration by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
  • Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet warned Thailand that any unilateral action to block entry into the disputed areas will lead to severe consequences.
  • Cambodia is committed to peacefully resolving the issue through dialogue and legal mechanisms, but will not tolerate unilateral aggression from Thailand.
  • Cambodia's Minister of Justice will lead the legal team, while the Minister of Foreign Affairs will lead the diplomatic team in defending the Kingdom's case at the ICJ.
  • French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged France's support in facilitating the provision of key documents to Cambodia and Thailand for the ongoing border dispute process at the ICJ.
  • Kin Phea, Director-General of the Royal Academy of Cambodia's International Relations Institute, stated that any restriction by Thailand in the disputed areas is an official announcement that these areas belong to it, and that Cambodia will use force to defend its territorial integrity.

Statistics:

  • The dispute over the four border areas has been ongoing since 2008.
  • A skirmish between Cambodian and Thai armed forces in Mom Bei area on May 28, 2022, led to the death of a Cambodian soldier.
  • The Cambodian government has created the Committee to Prepare Documents for Filing a Case with the International Court of Justice regarding the disputed areas.
  • The Cambodian government has officially submitted a request to the ICJ to seek a resolution to the ongoing border dispute concerning the four areas on June 15, 2022.
  • Cambodia's 800-kilometre border with Thailand is an ongoing source of contention.

Sources:

  • "Cambodian PM warns Thailand: unilateral action on disputed temples will lead to 'severe consequences'" (The Post)
  • "Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet Speaks Out on Border Dispute" (Radio Free Asia)
  • "France Pledges Support for Cambodia's Border Dispute Case at ICJ" (Khmer Times)
  • "Cambodia to Use Force to Defend Territorial Integrity: Expert" (The Phnom Penh Post)

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