Thailand breaks silence with strong rebuke of Cambodia on border disputes

Thailand is deeply disappointed by Cambodia’s continued refusal to cooperate in resolving border tensions, in particular its decision to seek intervention by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding four disputed sites, according to a statement, issued late last night by the Thai Foreign Ministry

It said that the move clearly reflected a lack of genuine determination to resolve sensitive issues through existing bilateral mechanisms and in the spirit of good neighbourliness.

This is the first time Bangkok has expressed such strong dissatisfaction with Cambodia, having previously used more diplomatic language.

On Sunday, Phnom Penh officially asked the ICJ to intervene in the border disputes with Thailand, involving the Chong Bok, Ta Muen Thom, Ta Muen Tot and Ta Kwai areas.

The Thai government has said that Thailand does not recognise the jurisdiction of the ICJ in the demarcation dispute with neighbouring Cambodia.

The Thai Foreign Ministry said that, during the meeting, the Thai delegation, led by Ambassador Prasas Prasasvinitchai, formally rebutted all Cambodian allegations.

These responses were recorded in the meeting’s agreed minutes, including Thailand’s explanation that its actions on May 28, when a short gun battle broke out costing the life of a Cambodian soldier, were taken in self-defence following Cambodian aggression and were proportionate and consistent with international law.

Thailand also emphasised that the meeting did not include discussions about Cambodia’s decision to refer the dispute to the ICJ, or the controversial 1:200,000 Siam-Indochina demarcation map cited by Cambodia.

The talks focused strictly on technical matters, related to aerial mapping in the second phase of the broader land boundary demarcation process under the master plan.

Thailand also emphasised the need for both sides to abide by the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which includes refraining from altering the border environment, avoiding encroachment and exercising restraint to prevent escalation.

The statement also noted that both parties should avoid the dissemination of misleading information that could lead to public misunderstanding or broader conflict.

Thailand will host a special session of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) in September 2025.