AKP Phnom Penh, June 10, 2025 --

The Royal Government of Cambodia has established a commission to prepare legal documentation for filing a complaint with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding territorial disputes involving the Mom Bei, Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Moan Tauch Temple, and Ta Krabei Temple areas.

According to a government decision signed by Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet on June 6 and released to the media this evening, the commission is chaired by H.E. Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The commission includes 14 other senior officials and military officers, serving as vice presidents and members.

The commission is composed of two working groups – legal and diplomatic teams. The 21-member legal team is led by H.E. Koeut Rith, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Justice, while the 12-member diplomatic team was headed by H.E. Ms. Eat Sophea, Permanent Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The commission is tasked to examine and select international legal counsel to represent Cambodia in the ICJ proceedings at the request of the legal team.

Other key duties include reviewing and approving documents prepared by the legal team and the international legal counsel for submission to the ICJ; reviewing and approving the work of diplomatic team as necessary; communicating with the ICJ for legal procedures; representing Cambodia throughout the entire legal process, from the filing of complaint to the final ruling; and so on. 

The move follows Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet’s remarks during the first National Assembly–Senate Congress on June 2, where he announced Cambodia's intention to file a unilateral complaint with the ICJ if Thailand refuses to participate. The goal, he said, is to seek a peaceful and legal resolution to the territorial dispute and to prevent further provocation by extremist elements.

Tensions between Cambodia and Thailand have risen following a border incident on May 28, 2025, when Thai military forces reportedly opened fire on a Cambodian army post located in Techo Morokot village, Morokot commune, Choam Khsan district, Preah Vihear province—an area long recognised as a Cambodian military position. The confrontation tragically resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier.

By Heng Panha