AKP Phnom Penh, July 16, 2025 --

H.E. Dr. Thun Vathana, Second Vice President of the Cambodian Senate, has urged Thailand to pursue a peaceful resolution to their ongoing border dispute through international law. 

The call was made during the closing remarks of the 16th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) Caucus, held at the National Assembly Palace in Phnom Penh this morning.

Representing Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, H.E. Dr. Thun Vathana emphasised that a shared ASEAN vision hinges on a firm commitment to dialogue, the rule of law, and respect for international agreements.

He also proposed the establishment of an AIPA Parliamentary Leaders’ Forum to facilitate the exchange of views and collaborative problem-solving among parliaments on various global challenges.

Addressing foreign parliamentary delegates, H.E. Dr. Thun Vathana highlighted Cambodia's unanimous support for resolving the border dispute with Thailand at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). He cited the 2008 Singapore-Malaysia case and the 1998 Malaysia-Indonesia case as precedents, noting that 25 years of negotiations have failed to yield concrete results, leading to persistent tensions.

He reiterated his plea for Thailand to consider a peaceful resolution through international legal channels to prevent further casualties and injuries on both sides. "A single vision, a single identity, and a single community can only be achieved if ASEAN remains committed to dialogue based on the rule of law, respect for laws, and international agreements in good faiths,” H.E. Dr. Thun Vathana stated.

By K. Rithy Reak