07/26/2025
Thailand, asserting itself as a larger and wealthier nation than Cambodia, is using its military power, heavy weaponry, and threats to intimidate and invade Cambodia. This has caused severe devastation to civilians and destroyed ancient Khmer temples, which are ancestral heritage sites and a World Heritage. The Thai armed forces are posing a serious threat to regional and international peace and stability.
Cambodia has sought a peaceful resolution through the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
On June 15, 1962, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in its judgment that:
- The Preah Vihear temple is located in territory under Cambodian sovereignty.
- Thailand is obligated to withdraw any military or police forces stationed at or around the temple within Cambodian territory.
- Thailand is obligated to return to Cambodia all objects removed from the temple since 1954.
This judgment is a crucial historical document affirming Cambodia's sovereignty over the Preah Vihear temple. The Preah Vihear temple is under the sovereignty of Cambodia. Later, in 2013, the same International Court of Justice further interpreted that judgment, clarifying that the entire area surrounding the Preah Vihear temple also belongs to Cambodia.
Despite the ICJ ruling and clear border demarcation, to this day, the Thai side still harbors intentions to illegally seize Cambodian sovereign territory, disregarding the law and violating the International Court of Justice's judgment.
