Cambodia steps up border dispute with Thailand, sets up panel on ICJ case

The Cambodian government has formed a high-level committee to be in charge of taking the border dispute with Thailand to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, in what was seen as a major effort to internationalise the issue.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet announced the formation of the committee on Tuesday, according to the Khmer Times today.

The disputed areas, over which Cambodia wants a ruling from the ICJ, include three the Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Tauch and Ta Krabei and Mom Bei ancient temples.

According to the report, the committee is chaired by Cambodia’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Prak Sokhonn, and it will act as the official representative of Cambodia before the ICJ, from the submission of documentation to the conclusion of the case.

On June 6, Sokhonn informed Thailand’s foreign minister, Maris Sangiampongsa, that Cambodia will take the case to the ICJ.

Thailand has steadfastly insisted, however, that the border dispute should be resolved through bilateral mechanisms.