H.E. Pen Bona Reaffirms Cambodia’s Unwavering Stance on Referring Border Dispute to ICJ

H.E. Pen Bona Reaffirms Cambodia’s Unwavering Stance on Referring Border Dispute to ICJ

AKP Phnom Penh, June 11, 2025 — Cambodia will not waver in its decision to refer the border dispute in the Mom Bei area and at the Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Tauch, and Ta Krabei temple complexes to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

This firm stance was reaffirmed by H.E. Pen Bona, Minister Delegate Attached to the Prime Minister and Head of the Government Spokesperson Unit, during a special interview with the state-run TVK this evening.

“The Royal Government’s position is to appeal to the ICJ, but we want the Thai side to officially confirm during the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting on June 14 whether or not it will join us,” he said. “Regardless, I want to reiterate that even if Thailand chooses not to participate, Cambodia will still proceed. This is already our official position.”

H.E. Pen Bona added that the case is progressing steadily, although no submission date has been set, as authorities are still compiling all necessary documentation and evidence.

As announced by Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet on June 2, and with the full backing of Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen, a commission was established on June 6 to prepare legal documentation for submission to the ICJ regarding the territorial disputes in the four sensitive areas.

The Royal Government—under both former Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen and current Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet—has shown unwavering commitment to protecting Cambodia’s territorial sovereignty, “without conceding even a millimeter,” H.E. Pen Bona stated, emphasising that this commitment is not rhetorical but demonstrated through concrete actions such as ongoing border demarcation negotiations and the construction of the border ring road.

He further noted that the legal initiative has received unanimous support from the National Assembly, the Senate, and the broader Cambodian public—highlighting a strong sense of national unity behind the Royal Government and the brave armed forces. This support also reflects the people’s deep trust in and affection for their government.

The Cambodia-Thailand border tension intensified when Thai military forces opened fire on a Cambodian army post located in Techo Morokot village, Morokot commune, Choam Khsan district, Preah Vihear province—an area long recognised as a Cambodian military position on the morning of May 28, 2025, at approximately 5:30 a.m. Tragically, the exchange resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier.

By C. Nika