Cambodian PM requests urgent UN Security Council meeting over Thai “aggression”

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has formally requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, calling for immediate international intervention to halt what he described as “flagrant armed aggression” by Thailand against Cambodia’s sovereignty.

In a strongly worded letter addressed to Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN and President of the Security Council for July 2025, Hun Manet condemned what he described as “unprovoked, premeditated and deliberate attacks” by Thai armed forces on Cambodian border positions, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

“Since the early morning of 24 July 2025, Thai armed forces launched unprovoked, premeditated and deliberate attacks on Cambodian positions along the border areas, including Tamone Thom Temple, Ta Krabey Temple and Mom Bei, in the provinces of Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey,” the letter states.

The Cambodian leader called the military operation a grave breach of international norms and regional treaties, stating it “flagrantly violated the principle of non-aggression and peaceful resolution of disputes—both of which are fundamental principles of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations and the ASEAN Charter.”

The clash marks a serious escalation in long-standing border tensions between the two Southeast Asian nations, particularly around disputed heritage temple sites that have historically sparked conflict. Cambodian officials insist their troops acted in self-defence to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“Cambodia calls on Thailand to immediately cease all hostilities, withdraw its forces to its side of the border, and refrain from any further provocative actions that could escalate the situation,” Hun Manet urged.

The letter also cited Thailand’s alleged use of a “unilaterally drawn map that lacks any legal basis,” as well as what Cambodia views as a violation of the 1904 and 1907 Franco-Siamese treaties, the MOU on border demarcation signed in 2000, and coordinated military patrol agreements.

As justification for its actions, Thailand has reportedly accused Cambodia of causing a landmine explosion—a charge Phnom Penh denies. Hun Manet dismissed the claim as “baseless and unfounded,” stating that Thai personnel “created a new path through Cambodian territories, known to be officially documented mine-fields.”

The Cambodian government emphasized that the dispute is currently under legal review, having formally submitted the case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on June 2, 2025, for adjudication on four disputed areas: Mom Bei, Tamone Thom Temple, Tamone Touch Temple, and Ta Krabey Temple.

“It is profoundly reprehensible that this act of aggression occurs while Cambodia is actively pursuing peaceful and impartial legal avenues,” Hun Manet wrote.

He concluded by calling on the UN Security Council to act swiftly:

“Considering the recent extremely grave aggressions by Thailand, which have gravely threatened peace and stability in the region, I earnestly request you to convene an urgent meeting of the Security Council to stop Thailand’s aggression.”

By Vafa Guliyeva