BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Phumtham Wechayachai addressed the recent protests by Cambodian workers and citizens in Japan, who are urging their government to file a case with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over Koh Kood. Speaking at Government House, he dismissed concerns, stating that the issue is not a pressing matter and should not be overemphasized.
When asked whether the Cambodian demonstrations might provoke a response from Thai citizens, Phumtham noted that the situation has not escalated significantly. He emphasized that the government is monitoring developments but will not react hastily, prioritizing key national issues instead. He also cautioned against exaggerating the scale of protests, arguing that isolated demonstrations should not be mistaken for a widespread crisis.
According to reports from Radio Free Asia (RFA), over 100 Cambodians, mostly young workers and residents in Japan, gathered in Tokyo on February 9 to demand that the Cambodian government assert its territorial claim over Koh Kood through the ICJ. The protesters assembled at Hibiya Park at noon before marching through the city center, holding banners and chanting slogans.
In addition to territorial claims, the protesters called for the arrest of Pech Kimsrin and Ly Rattanak Rasmey, two Cambodian officials allegedly linked to the assassination of Lim Kimya. They urged authorities to extradite them to Thailand for further investigation.
“Koh Kood belongs to Cambodia! It’s ours! We are here to demand justice for Lim Kimya and for our government to act,” protesters chanted.
RFA reports indicate that Prime Minister Hun Manet’s administration has accused opposition figures of using the Koh Kood dispute for political gain. The Cambodian government has largely remained silent on the matter, presenting its approach as a sign of political maturity and commitment to factual evidence.
Neither Prime Minister Hun Manet nor his father, Hun Sen, who leads the ruling party and serves as Senate President, has made a definitive statement on Cambodia’s claim over Koh Kood. Their stance contrasts with that of Thailand’s Shinawatra family, who have publicly affirmed that Koh Kood belongs to Thailand.
Beyond Japan, Cambodian expatriates in Australia, South Korea, the United States, Canada, and France have expressed solidarity with the protests. They are calling on Hun Manet’s government to take the Koh Kood dispute to the ICJ and to seek justice for Lim Kimya.
Protesters warned that demonstrations could expand if their demands continue to be ignored.
