(Siem Reap): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said that Cambodia has prepared the necessary qualifications and documents for the border case but cannot disclose them publicly in order to respect the procedures of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The premier spoke on Monday (Jun. 23) at the closing of the Central Committee Meeting of the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC) in Siem Reap province.
Samdech Thipadei addressed concerns from some citizens who have doubted whether the complaint has been officially submitted, with requests for the government to show proof of submission. He emphasised the importance of respecting court procedures, warning that disregarding them would harm Cambodia’s reputation on the international stage.
“We have the receipt and the invitation letter, which are kept at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but the ICJ has asked us not to disclose any information related to their officials, photographs, or documents at this stage. This is to prevent the use of such materials for political purposes in any country, which is their policy. Even in our own courts, if a lawyer releases documents during proceedings, they can be imprisoned immediately. Therefore, we must respect the procedures,” the premier underscored.
Samdech Thipadei added that the government remains committed to being accountable and transparent to the people throughout this dispute. While the government has considered providing information, it must do so without violating the rules of the ICJ.
On the occasion, the premier explained that the Royal Government faces two options. First, to provide all information to the public immediately, satisfying the people's eagerness but risking a breach of ICJ rules and potential repercussions; second, to keep the public informed about procedures and preparations as far as possible without contravening ICJ regulations.
“For Cambodia, our priority is success through the court as the ultimate goal. Although some citizens may feel impatient at times, we must wait for the ICJ to reveal the information,” the premier added.
It should be noted that on 16 June 2025, at 11:30 a.m. local time in The Hague (4:30 p.m. in Phnom Penh), Cambodia officially submitted a letter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) seeking a resolution to its border dispute with Thailand. The contested areas include the Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Tauch, and Ta Krabei temples, as well as the Emerald Triangle area. Cambodian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Kimsour Sovannary, personally delivered the letter to ICJ Registrar Philippe Gautier.
=FRESH NEWS
