PHNOM PENH — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has called for the long-running territorial disputes with Thailand over several ancient temple sites to be resolved through international legal channels, proposing the matter be brought before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.

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According to a report published Sunday by the Khmer Times, Hun Manet stated via social media that Cambodia is prepared to introduce a new agenda item to the Joint Border Committee (JBC) talks — a formal proposal to submit the disputes surrounding the Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Toch, and Ta Kro Bei temples, along with the contested Mombei area, to the ICJ for adjudication.

The contested sites lie along the Thai-Cambodian border in Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces and have historically been flashpoints in bilateral relations. Tensions flared again last week following a brief military clash, which Cambodia attributes to a “small extremist group.” One Cambodian soldier was reportedly killed in the incident, which has further inflamed nationalist rhetoric in both countries.

🇰🇭|🇹🇭 Cambodia is set to revisit its long-standing border dispute with Thailand at the UN's top court.

🔵 The ICJ's 1962 decision granting the disputed temple territory to Cambodia still stirs tension.

🔵 This decades-old issue continues to affect bilateral ties. #Thailand… pic.twitter.com/zwNvTxXHyp

— Thomas MORE (@ThomaMore) June 2, 2025

In his post, Hun Manet reiterated Cambodia’s desire for a peaceful resolution, emphasizing his government’s commitment to diplomacy, technical dialogue, and the rule of international law. However, he made clear that Cambodia reserves the right to defend its sovereignty, warning that the use of military force remains an option if there are any armed incursions into Cambodian territory.

The reference to the ICJ carries historical weight for Thailand. In 1962, the court ruled in favor of Cambodia in a landmark case involving the Preah Vihear temple, a decision that still resonates deeply in Thai political and public discourse.

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While Thailand has not officially responded to Hun Manet’s proposal, the escalation in rhetoric comes at a time when both nations are under pressure to manage border tensions without sparking broader conflict. Diplomatic observers say the call to involve the ICJ could mark a significant shift in Cambodia’s strategy, moving the dispute from bilateral negotiations to the international legal arena.

-Thailand News (TN)