(Tbong Khmum): Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Tea Seiha stated that Cambodia and Thailand will never resolve their border dispute as long as they rely on different maps. He emphasized that even a thousand years of bilateral talks would be futile without a shared basis for negotiation.

The minister spoke on Friday (Jun. 20) during the 48th anniversary of the Remembrance Day of “Journey to Overthrow the Pol Pot Genocidal Regime” held in Tboung Khmum.

He noted that if Thailand had truly intended to resolve the border dispute, it could have done so through the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) mechanism in the past. However, Thailand had disengaged from the process since 2012–2013 and only resumed talks under the JBC framework in 2025, marking a 12-year delay in negotiations.

Addressing the border matter, General Tea Seiha stated, “Cambodia greatly desires a border of friendship, cooperation, and joint development among the three neighbouring countries. But as I have said, as long as different maps are used, no common ground can be reached. That is why the Royal Government of Cambodia has resolutely decided to bring this matter before the International Court of Justice, so that a third party may arbitrate. If we continue using different maps, whether it is 10 years, 100 years, or 1,000 years, we still won’t resolve it.”

On the occasion, the minister continued that taking the Cambodia–Thailand border dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the most effective path forward. While a ruling may result in territorial gains or losses for either side, it would provide a clear, legally binding resolution, paving the way for lasting peace and mutual understanding.

Notably, on 15 June 2025, the Royal Government of Cambodia formally submitted a request to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to intervene in resolving the ongoing territorial disputes surrounding Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Moan Tauch Temple, Ta Krabei Temple, and the Emerald Triangle area.
=FRESH NEWS