In a strongly worded statement released on 24 Jul 2025, the Cambodian government has condemned the recent armed aggression against its territory by Thai military forces along their shared border.
Since the early morning of 24 Jul 2025, Thai armed forces launched unprovoked, premeditated, and deliberate attacks on Cambodian positions in the provinces of Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey. The Cambodian government has expressed its profound indignation over this military attack, which flagrantly violates the principle of non-aggression and peaceful resolution of disputes – fundamental principles of international law.
Facing this aggression, Cambodian troops responded in self-defense to safeguard their sovereignty and territorial integrity. Cambodia calls on Thailand to immediately cease all hostilities, withdraw its forces to its side of the border, and refrain from any further provocative actions that could escalate the situation.
The situation between Cambodia and Thailand has been tense for some time, with ongoing border disputes and armed hostilities persisting despite the existence of several international agreements, including the Franco-Siamese Convention of 1904, Treaty of 1907, and Memorandum of Understanding on the Survey and Demarcation of Land Boundary (MOU-2000).
The current border hostilities are attributed to Thailand’s insistence on claiming sovereignty over the disputed areas, using a unilaterally drawn map that lacks any legal basis. The Cambodian government has been pursuing peaceful and impartial legal avenues to resolve outstanding border issues with Thailand through bilateral and international mechanisms.
Just days ago, Cambodia decided to refer four disputed border areas – Mom Bei, Tamone Thom Temple, Tamone Touch Temple, and Ta Krabey Temple – to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for adjudication. This development comes despite regional and international appeals for restraint and peaceful solutions.
Given the recent extreme aggression by Thailand, which has gravely threatened peace and stability in the region, Cambodia is urging the Security Council to convene an urgent meeting to stop Thailand’s aggression.
The Cambodian government has reiterated its commitment to dialogue and cooperation with its neighbors. The recent Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting held in Phnom Penh on 14-15 Jun 2025 is a testament to this commitment.
In light of the above situation, Cambodia will continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity while maintaining open channels of communication and cooperation with its regional partners.
Background of the Border Dispute
The border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand has been ongoing for years. Despite several international agreements, including the Franco-Siamese Convention of 1904, Treaty of 1907, and Memorandum of Understanding on the Survey and Demarcation of Land Boundary (MOU-2000), the issue remains unresolved.
Thailand’s insistence on claiming sovereignty over the disputed areas using a unilaterally drawn map that lacks any legal basis is widely seen as a major obstacle to resolving the dispute peacefully. Cambodia has been pursuing peaceful and impartial legal avenues to resolve the outstanding border issues with Thailand through bilateral and international mechanisms.
Regional Implications
The recent military escalation by Thailand has grave implications for regional peace and stability. The situation highlights the need for continued diplomatic efforts to resolve the border disputes peacefully and sustainably.
Cambodia’s commitment to dialogue and cooperation with its neighbors is crucial in this context. The recent Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting held in Phnom Penh on 14-15 Jun 2025 demonstrates Cambodia’s commitment to finding peaceful solutions to regional disputes.
Conclusion
The Cambodian government’s condemnation of Thai military aggression and call for an immediate ceasefire serve as a reminder of the need for sustained diplomatic efforts to resolve border disputes peacefully and sustainably. The situation highlights the importance of continued dialogue, cooperation, and commitment to finding peaceful solutions to regional disputes.