Cambodia and Thailand's reactions after ICJ ruling

Both countries have reacted positively to the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

On November 11, the International Court of Justice ruled that the land surrounding the 1,000-year-old Preah Vihear temple belongs to Cambodia, so Thailand must withdraw all forces from this territory.

Cambodian soldiers stationed in an area 20 km from Preah Vihear temple Photo: Reuters

Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong said he was satisfied with the court's ruling, even though it did not return all the land it sought.

Speaking on Cambodian national television TVK, he said the ruling “is a meaningful gift from the International Court of Justice to the Kingdom of Cambodia.”

Thai Foreign Minister Suparong Tovichakchaikul said the court’s ruling was “a satisfactory outcome for both sides.” Suparong also affirmed that both neighboring countries would cooperate to implement the ruling.

Speaking on Thai television, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra stressed that the Thai government will consider complying with the Court's ruling, but she also made it clear that Thailand needs to cooperate with Cambodia.

“Thailand and Cambodia share an 800km border,” Yingluck said, adding that the ASEAN neighbours “must rely on each other for common prosperity.”

Mann Vanna, a Cambodian living near the border with Thailand, said he was very satisfied with the court's ruling.

“I hope that the ruling will end the disputes between Cambodia and Thailand and that the Thai people will respect this ruling,” Vanna said, holding back tears. “This ruling will put an end to the bloodshed of people in both countries. Thailand must respect this decision.”

Several families in Cambodia's Srah Kdol village, 20km from the temple, have prepared for the worst by digging shelters.

Prak Smouch, a 45-year-old villager, said she was prepared to pack her bags and leave if fighting broke out.

“I am not afraid of fighting because I am used to it,” she said, adding that she had also been evacuated three years ago when fighting broke out./.

According to VOV