(Phnom Penh): Amid ongoing tensions with Thailand over a border dispute, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet appealed to the international community to support Cambodia’s decision to pursue a peaceful and legal resolution through the International Court of Justice (ICJ), even as Thailand refuses to recognize the process.

The premier spoke on Tuesday (Jun. 17) at the Closing of Extraordinary General Assembly of Cambodia Scouts in Phnom Penh.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to resolving the dispute through international legal mechanisms rather than force. He emphasized that bilateral negotiations had failed to yield results, which led Cambodia to bring the issue—concerning the Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Tauch, Ta Krabei temples, and the Emerald Triangle area—before the ICJ.

“Cambodia prefers peace and international law over military confrontation,” he said, stressing that when bilateral talks reach a dead end, the only rational alternative is legal arbitration. He called on countries that uphold international law to support Cambodia’s chosen path.

Samdech Thipadei also expressed hope that the international community would understand Cambodia’s position. He added that earlier today, Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn convened a meeting with 27 ambassadors in Cambodia to brief them, and that Cambodian embassies abroad would also relay the government’s rationale for going to the ICJ.

“We believe this issue, if left unresolved, could trigger conflict—now or in the future,” the premier warned.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Hun Manet also reacted to provocative statements from Thailand’s 2nd Army Region commander. The premier underlined that Cambodia does not seek war, having already suffered enough from past conflicts, but will not allow its sovereignty to be trampled.
=FRESH NEWS