Cambodia Turns to World Court Over Border Dispute with Thailand

Tensions spiked after a brief skirmish on May 28 left one Cambodian soldier dead. The confrontation occurred along a 820-kilometer (510-mile) stretch of border that remains partially undemarcated and is claimed by both nations.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said his country is pursuing a peaceful resolution "based on international law through the ICJ mechanism." The post included a photograph of Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn holding what Hun Manet described as a formal letter to the ICJ in The Hague.

The Thai Foreign Ministry has yet to respond to Cambodia’s move. Thailand has previously stated it does not recognize the ICJ’s jurisdiction in the matter and prefers bilateral negotiations to resolve such disputes.

Weekend talks between Cambodian and Thai officials ended without resolution. Both sides agreed to reduce tensions and continue discussions. However, Cambodia has proposed that the four disputed areas be removed from future bilateral negotiations and instead be jointly submitted to the ICJ.

Despite Thailand’s rejection of the ICJ’s jurisdiction, Cambodia announced it will proceed with legal action unilaterally. Thailand, in contrast, avoided mention of the disputed areas or the court, saying only that bilateral talks would continue, with the next meeting scheduled for September in Thailand.

Hun Manet noted that the disputed areas, including the site of the recent deadly clash, are “complex, high-risk zones prone to armed conflict” that bilateral mechanisms have failed to resolve.

The contents of Cambodia’s letter to the ICJ have not been disclosed.

Cambodia has previously sought the ICJ's involvement over border issues, winning rulings in 1962 and 2013 concerning the Preah Vihear temple and surrounding territory.

Although both governments have called for calm and emphasized dialogue, tensions remain. Thai authorities have threatened to close the border and suspend electricity exports to Cambodia. In response, Phnom Penh announced it will stop purchasing Thai electricity, internet services, and agricultural produce. Cambodian broadcasters have also been instructed to halt Thai film programming.