Cambodia Urges UN Security Council to Intervene in Thai Aggression, Calls for ICJ Adjudication

Cambodia Urges UN Security Council to Intervene in Thai Aggression, Calls for ICJ Adjudication

Khmer Times | Cambodia has issued a strong appeal to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), urging immediate international intervention over what it describes as continued Thai military aggression along its border.

The move comes amid escalating tensions between the two countries that have already claimed numerous lives and displaced ten of thousands.

Speaking under the UNSC agenda item “Threats to international peace and security,” Keo Chhea, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Cambodia to the United Nations, delivered a firm statement outlining Cambodia’s position and demands.

“Cambodia demands that Thailand fully respect Cambodian sovereignty and immediately cease all acts of military aggression against Cambodia,” the ambassador said.

He stressed the legal basis of Cambodia’s territorial claims, citing historical treaties and rulings from the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

“In particular, Thailand must respect the internationally recognized borders as defined by the 1904 Convention and the 1907 Treaty, as well as the 1:200,000 scale map, which was recognized by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in its 1962 and 2013 judgments, and reaffirmed by the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU),” he said.

To prevent further violence and ensure regional peace, Cambodia is seeking judicial resolution from the ICJ and has formally requested the UNSC to facilitate this step.

“In order to prevent further armed conflict that could endanger regional security and stability, and to preserve lasting peace between the two countries, Cambodia has chosen to refer the four disputed areas to the ICJ and hereby declares in advance its acceptance of all ICJ rulings,” Ambassador Keo Chhea stated.

“In this regard, and pursuant to Article 36(3) of the United Nations Charter, Cambodia respectfully requests the Security Council to refer the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute to the ICJ for adjudication. This represents the most just and appropriate means of resolving the dispute in accordance with international law and delivering fair and reliable justice for the peoples of both countries,”he added.

The United Nations Security Council has held an urgent closed-door meeting under the agenda item “Threats to international peace and security” to address the escalating clashes that erupted on 24 July along the Cambodia–Thailand border.