Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet has formally established a special commission to prepare documentation for a potential case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning a longstanding border dispute with Thailand. The contested areas include the ancient temples of Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Toch and Ta Krabei, situated near the Cambodian-Thai frontier.
These temples, referred to in Thai as “Ta Muen,” derive their names from ancient Pali or Sanskrit roots, according to epigraphic researchers. The term “Moan” or “Muen” is believed to stem from the word mantra, referring to religious incantations associated with Brahmanism. The temples were constructed during the reign of King Jayavarman VII and are thought to have served as royal rest stops, hospitals, and waystations for travelers during that era.
The government decree, signed on June 6 and made public on the evening of June 10, outlines the commission’s role. It is tasked with reviewing and selecting international legal counsel to represent Cambodia at the ICJ, based on recommendations from the Ministry of Legal Affairs. The body will also be responsible for examining case documentation and coordinating with diplomatic teams and the ICJ to initiate formal legal proceedings.
The commission is chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn and includes five vice chairs: Deputy Prime Ministers Hang Chuon Naron of the Education Ministry and Koeut Rith of the Justice Ministry; Culture Minister Phoeung Sackona; Lam Chea, the minister in charge of border affairs; and Sea Kosal, Secretary of State at the Foreign Ministry.
Nine additional members include secretaries of state from various ministries, senior military officials, and Cambodia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Keo Chhea.
Government spokesperson Pen Bona told reporters that the commission’s formation follows Prime Minister Hun Manet’s announcement on June 2 and enjoys full backing from Senate President Hun Sen. The legal initiative, he said, is widely supported by both houses of Parliament, as well as by Cambodians at home and abroad across political lines.
“This marks a unified national movement behind the government and the armed forces,” said Pen Bona, “reflecting the people’s strong trust and deep emotional support for the Kingdom’s leadership.”
However, the move has not gone unchallenged. Opposition figure Sam Rainsy, leader of the Cambodia National Rescue Movement, questioned the government’s resolve. In a Facebook post, he suggested that while Cambodia may have the legal upper hand, the Hun Manet administration appears hesitant to confront Thailand directly.
Rainsy further accused the government of ceding ground by withdrawing troops from territory he claims is rightfully Cambodian, describing the ICJ petition as ambiguous and lacking in clarity.
