Cambodia Waits for Thai Government to Implement ICJ Ruling on Border Dispute

Cambodian soldiers sit at Preah Vihear temple

PHNOM PENH – The Cambodian government said Saturday it is waiting for Thailand to hold talks on the implementation of the verdict issued last month by the International Court of Justice on the border dispute between the two countries.

Hor Namhong, deputy prime minister and foreign minister, said “We need to consult with Thailand on the implementation of the ICJ’s verdict.”

Cambodia is ready but political upheavals in Thailand may delay the talks, Hor Namhong said during a visit to the border area to meet with Cambodian troops deployed near Preah Vihear Temple, the focus of the border dispute with Thailand.

The world court issued a verdict on Nov. 11 in favor of Cambodia in the territorial dispute and said Thailand must withdraw military and police forces from the area.

The two sides have yet to discuss how to implement the ruling and Thailand has yet to withdraw its forces from the area.

Hor Namhong met with 2,000 Cambodian troops based near the temple on Saturday.

Gen. Hing Bunheang, deputy commander-in-chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, said the border area near Preah Vihear temple is calm and Cambodian and Thai troops often meet and socialize with one another.