In Phnom Penh this morning, June 17, Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prak Sokhonn, met with foreign ambassadors stationed in the country to provide a detailed briefing on recent developments concerning the Cambodia–Thailand border dispute.
According to a statement posted on the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ official Facebook page, Minister Prak Sokhonn addressed representatives from 27 diplomatic missions. He outlined Cambodia’s position regarding an incident that occurred on May 28, when Thai troops reportedly crossed into Cambodian territory in the Mom Bei area of Preah Vihear province, resulting in the death of a Cambodian soldier.
The Minister also confirmed that Cambodia has submitted a formal request to the International Court of Justice, seeking clarification and resolution over the status of four contested heritage sites along the border: Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Toch, Ta Krabei temples and the Mom Bei area.
During the meeting, Minister Prak Sokhonn accused Thai forces of engaging in unilateral and aggressive actions, including repeated violations of Cambodian territory, border threats, the unilateral closure of border checkpoints, as well as disruptions to internet access and electricity supplies in affected areas.
He stated that, in response to what Cambodia views as serious violations of national sovereignty, the Cambodian government has enacted a series of diplomatic, legal and military measures aimed at defending justice, national interest and territorial integrity.
Tensions along the Cambodia–Thailand border have been escalating since the May 28 incursion. Cambodian authorities strongly condemned the incident, citing not only the fatality but also what they describe as an ongoing pattern of provocation. Thai forces, according to the Cambodian side, continued to escalate the situation by reducing operating hours at border crossings and threatening further restrictions on utilities and communication services.
In a bid to seek a peaceful legal resolution, Cambodia submitted its case to the International Court of Justice on June 16, requesting adjudication on the long-standing territorial disputes involving ancient temple complexes and surrounding areas.
This case marks the latest chapter in a decades-long border disagreement between the two Southeast Asian neighbors. The outcome of the ICJ’s consideration may have lasting implications for the region’s stability and cultural heritage.
