Cambodian PM: Two Key Issues Excluded from Tomorrow’s JBC Meeting Agenda

Cambodian PM: Two Key Issues Excluded from Tomorrow’s JBC Meeting Agenda

AKP Phnom Penh, June 13, 2025 – Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has clarified that two key issues will not be discussed at the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) Meeting scheduled for tomorrow, June 14, 2025, after 12 years of interruption.

The first issue concerns border disputes involving the Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Tauch, and Ta Krabei temple complexes, as well as the Mom Bei area. The Prime Minister stated via social media this evening that Cambodia has already decided to bring these matters before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

He reiterated that Cambodia is awaiting Thailand’s response at tomorrow’s JBC meeting: will Thailand agree to join Cambodia in submitting the case to the ICJ?

“I would like to reconfirm to my compatriots that even if the Thai side refuses or remains silent, Cambodia will proceed unilaterally. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation will send an official request to the ICJ on Sunday, June 15, 2025, regarding the disputes in these four areas,” he affirmed.

The second issue that will not be discussed is the ongoing border closure. According to the Prime Minister, opening or closing border crossings does not fall within the JBC’s jurisdiction.

He noted that the issue is straightforward: the border, which was unilaterally closed by the Thai military on June 7, should be unilaterally reopened to its previous status.

“Cambodia does not intend to create problems that hinder cross-border travel or trade between the Cambodian and Thai people. However, Cambodia also has the capacity to respond effectively to threats or external pressure,” he stressed.

Samdech Thipadei underscored that Cambodia did not initiate the current situation and therefore should not be expected to end it. “What was started unilaterally must be ended unilaterally. There is no need for negotiation. Whoever starts first, ends first,” he declared.

Nevertheless, the Prime Minister reiterated Cambodia’s willingness to continue working with Thailand through the JBC mechanism to complete the demarcation of the remaining sections of the shared border—excluding the four disputed areas, which Cambodia intends to resolve through the ICJ.

By C. Nika