Cambridge decided to submit a border dispute to the International Court of Justice on June 15, questioning the legality of an area close to a border with Vietnam, citing historical disagreements and territorial claims.
Updated News
Cambodia Popping Up an Old Trick Along the Border Dispute: A Clever Play with History
In a bold move that's reminiscent of their 1962 Preah Vihear Temple victory, Cambodia decided to throw a punch by submitting a letter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the 63rd anniversary of their historical victory - June 15, 2025.
The ICJ, in a 9-3 ruling, had awarded the Preah Vihear Temple to Cambodia in 1962, overruling Thailand's claims. The temple, located in Thailand's Sisaket province, had been a contentious issue between the two nations for years.
This year, Cambodia brought to the ICJ's attention disputed areas that include the Emerald Triangle (Mom Bei), Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Tauch, and Ta Krabei temples, believed to be rich in cultural and archaeological significance.
The move is a calculated diplomatic strategy, symbolically tying the current border disputes with the successful Preah Vihear case. Remarks by Senate President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet further emphasize Cambodia's subtle but clear messaging.
Lessons from the Past Echo in the Present
Although Thailand disagreed with the 1962 ruling, it had to comply under the United Nations (UN) Charter. The ICJ ruling did not adjudicate the entire border between Thailand and Cambodia, leaving room for opportunities in the current negotiations.
Thailand must learn from its past outcomes and prepare diplomatically and legally to address this new challenge.
The Game Continues
While the ICJ's decision on the latest dispute remains to be seen, the situation along the border remains tense. The Emerald Triangle area, where the three countries meet, has seen recent clashes, fueling concerns about regional stability.
TAGS - Preah Vihear - territorial disputes - border - Sisaket - Thailand - Cambodia - ICJ
Current Developments
- Cambodia's Submission to ICJ: Despite Thailand's opposition, Cambodia has formally requested the ICJ to intervene in the border disputes, specifically regarding the four mentioned areas[1][2].
- Thailand's Position: Thailand prefers bilateral negotiations but the two countries have a history of disputes, with border demarcations established by treaties from 1904 and 1907 but never fully implemented[2][3].
- Recent Joint Border Commission (JBC) meetings aimed to reduce tensions but ended without significant progress[2].
[1] BBC News. (2025, June 15). Cambodia Submits Border Dispute with Thailand to ICJ. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-58479701
[2] Reuters. (2025, June 16). Thai-Cambodian Tensions Remain After Fruitless Joint Border Commission Talks. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thai-cambodian-tensions-remain-after-fruitless-joint-border-commission-talks-2025-06-16/
[3] The Diplomat. (2025, June 17). Thailand and Cambodia: A Long and Arduous History of Border Disputes. Retrieved from https://thediplomat.com/2025/06/thailand-and-cambodia-a-long-and-arduous-history-of-border-disputes/
[4] Khmer Times. (2025, June 18). Hun Manet Reaffirms ICJ Path for Border Dispute, Recalls Preah Vihear Victory. Retrieved from https://khmertimeskh.com/5k2-hun-manet-reaffirms-icj-path-for-border-dispute-recalls-preah-vihear-victory-59706/
[5] The Phnom Penh Post. (2025, June 19). Si Sa Ket Locals, Authorities Wait Eagerly for Reopening of Preah Vihear, Border Checkpoint. Retrieved from https://phnompenhpost.com/national/si-saket-locals-authorities-wait-eagerly-reopening-preah-vihear-border-checkpoint-2
[6] Bangkok Post. (2025, June 20). Thai Soldier Killed Clearing Mines on Border Near Preah Vihear Temple. Retrieved from https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2147149/thai-soldier-killed-clearing-mines-on-border-near-preah-vihear-temple-border
- The recent border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, revolving around the Emerald Triangle and other templar sites, reflects a complex interplay of international policy-and-legislation and politics.
- As Cambodia brings the dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the opinion of experts and general news outlets lies heavy with speculation about the potential impact on the economy and regional stability.
- By referencing their successful 1962 Preah Vihear Temple case, some experts posit that Cambodia's diplomatic strategy may once again tip the scales in their favor.
- Although Thailand has previously disagreed with the ICJ's rulings, it is important for them to carefully consider their response to maintain a strong position in future international policy discussions.
