(Kampong Chhnang): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said that Cambodia has already lost a significant portion of its territory due to foreign encroachment and annexation, speaking on Monday (Jul. 14) during the inauguration of achievements at the Royal Gendarmerie Training Centre (Phnom Chum Sen Reak Reay) in Kampong Chhnang Province.

Samdech Thipadei stressed that Cambodia is firmly committed to safeguarding and preserving its current territorial integrity of what remains after the colonial era, ensuring that not even a small portion is lost again.

“I want to mention that Cambodia has suffered from foreign invasions, decades of war, and genocide. We were once surrounded, isolated and looked down. But today, Cambodia has risen, standing as an equal partner among countries in the region and the world,” the premier underscored.

The premier added that the nation’s need for peace, cooperation, and development. Cambodia maintains a neutral foreign policy with no hostile stance toward any country. However, the illegal attack by Thai troops on Cambodian forces on 28 May 2025 in the Emerald Triangle area of Cambodian territory constitutes a serious violation of the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“This incident reflects the historical wounds still present, even as Cambodia remains committed to resolving issues peacefully. The Royal Government firmly maintains its position: disputes concerning the Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Moan Tauch Temple, and Ta Krabei Temple, and the Emerald Triangle area must be brought before the International Court of Justice (ICJ),” Samdech Thipadei underscored.

He continued, “Cambodia has lost much of its land due to foreign annexation. Therefore, we are resolutely determined to protect the territorial integrity we have today what remains after colonization and preserve it permanently, without losing even a tiny part.”

Samdech Thipadei affirmed that Cambodia does not reject bilateral talks with Thailand. However, disputes over the areas surrounding Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Moan Tauch Temple, and Ta Krabei Temple, and the Emerald Triangle area cannot be resolved through bilateral mechanisms alone. The Thai side has taken an uncompromising stance and even disputes boundaries on platforms such as Google Maps. As a result, Cambodia sees no alternative but to bring the case to the ICJ, ensuring clarity and preventing the issue from burdening future generations.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet concluded by reaffirming that Cambodia’s position regarding the four areas remains firm, relying on international mechanisms. He expressed hope that Thailand would not allow this dispute to carry over to the next generation.
=FRESH NEWS