Cambodia Calls for Global Pressure on Thailand to Resolve Border Disputes via ICJ

Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen has urged the international community to encourage Thailand to resolve border disputes via the ICJ. He identifies four key contested areas and stresses the importance of legal solutions to prevent conflict. Drawing parallels to international law violations, he emphasizes that Cambodia seeks peaceful dialogue rather than war. Hun Sen cites ASEAN successes in utilizing the ICJ to reinforce his position.

Cambodia’s Senate President Hun Sen has made a compelling appeal for the global community to press Thailand to resolve ongoing border disputes through the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This call stems from a desire for peaceful and lawful solutions to avoid potential conflicts at the border, which stretches over 800 kilometers between the two nations. In his recent Facebook post, Hun Sen, who leads the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), pinpointed four critical disputed areas that remain contentious: the Emerald Triangle region, along with the historic temples of Moan Tauch, Ta Moan Thom, and Ta Krabei.

During his remarks, Hun Sen expressed deep concerns about the limitations of current bilateral negotiations, arguing that these disputes could remain unresolved for decades without intervention. He firmly stated that the ICJ represents the only feasible option for a resolution, emphasizing it as a necessary step for both nations. “Even in the next century, these issues will remain unresolved through existing bilateral mechanisms,” he said, reinforcing the urgency for Thailand to engage with the ICJ.

In a broader context, Hun Sen connected his advocacy for legal recourse to his condemnation of Russia’s actions in Ukraine, drawing parallels to 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, highlighting the risks Cambodia faces.

Hun Sen made it clear, however, that Cambodia is not seeking conflict. On the contrary, he urged dialogue and legal avenues as the path forward. He cited ASEAN examples of dispute resolution, specifically mentioning Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, which successfully used the ICJ and developed stronger 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,” he stressed.

His appeal to nations that uphold the law aims not only to engage Thailand with the ICJ but also to reinforce the global commitment to a rule-based order. Hun Sen believes that a successful resolution of these border disputes is crucial to ensuring stability and the peaceful coexistence of Cambodia and Thailand, two neighbors entwined in shared history and cultural ties.

Hun Sen’s appeal to the global community underscores the necessity for legal mechanisms like the ICJ in resolving long-standing territorial disputes. By advocating for peaceful dialogue and emphasizing international law, Cambodia aims to ensure stability and harmony with Thailand. His statements reinforce the belief that diplomatic solutions are essential for preventing conflicts in the region and that collaboration is vital in developing a future of stability.

Original Source: www.nationthailand.com