Cambodia has formally announced its decision to bring a long-standing border dispute with Thailand before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), prompted by recent military engagements between the two nations' armed forces.

Prime Minister Hun Manet addressed the Cambodian National Assembly on Monday, stating that the government intends to file a complaint with the ICJ as a means to resolve the territorial issue definitively.

Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized that even if Thailand does not concur with the move, Cambodia will proceed with the ICJ filing in order to eliminate any ambiguity surrounding the disputed areas.

This announcement comes after a shift in strategy, as Hun Manet had earlier suggested that Cambodia would first pursue dialogue aimed at resolving the undemarcated border sections through discussions with Thailand.

The dispute primarily concerns three ancient Khmer ruins located near the border in Surin Province, which Cambodia claims as part of its territory in Oddar Meanchey Province.

These sites are known as Ta Muan Thom, Ta Muan Toch, and Ta Kwai in Cambodia, while referred to as Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Toch, and Ta Kro Bei in Thailand.

The broader area of contention includes the Emerald Triangle, bordering Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani Province, Cambodia's Preah Vihear Province, and Champassak Province in Laos.

Tensions escalated recently due to armed confrontations between Thai and Cambodian soldiers in the vicinity of Ta Muan Thom and at Chong Bok, a steep valley in Nam Yuen district of Ubon Ratchathani.

The Thai military reported a stand-off involving soldiers from both nations, which culminated in a brief exchange of gunfire but did not lead to further escalation at that time.

Army spokesman Major General Winthai Suvaree expressed opposition to Cambodia’s decision to escalate the issue to the World Court, suggesting that the urgent priority should be focused on peaceful coexistence and conflict avoidance along the contested border rather than legal proceedings.

Both nations have expressed commitments to resolving border disputes through peaceful means, despite the ongoing tensions and differing claims over territory.

The Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), established to address and mediate border-related issues between Thailand and Cambodia, has been the primary framework for dialogue, although the unresolved areas have continued to generate significant friction.

The diplomatic landscape in Southeast Asia remains complex, as both nations navigate their historical claims and contemporary political considerations regarding national sovereignty and bilateral relations.