Preah Vihear Temple

Cambodia and Thailand have reached a deal on the maintenance of peace and stability along their border regardless of the coming indictment of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning the disputed area surrounding Preah Vihear Temple.

The commitment was made by Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Hor Namhong and his Thai counterpart Surapong Tovichakchaikul during their meeting on October 28 in Cambodia ’s Poipet city.

The two sides agreed to comply with the ICJ’s indictment in the spirit of friendship, brotherhood and neighbourliness, for the sake of building a stable and cooperative border area.

On October 25, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen vowed to maintain peace along the border with Thailand at any cost.

The ICJ will issue a verdict on the area disputed by Cambodia and Thailand - a 4.6 square km area near Preah Vihear Temple - on November 11.

The Hindu temple of Preah Vihear is located on the top of a 525m cliff in the Dangrek Mountains, bordering Thailand.

In 1962, the ICJ awarded Cambodia the temple. However, both countries claimed ownership of land surrounding the temple.

Bloodshed has continued around the area since 2008 when UNESCO recognised the temple as a world heritage site.

VNA