Thailand’s Written Observations Submitted to the International Court of Justice Concerning the Temple of Phra Viharn

(25/11/2011)

Thailand has submitted written observations regarding Cambodia’s request for the International Court of Justice to interpret its judgment of 15 June 1962 in the case concerning the Temple of Phra Viharn. Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said that the written observations were submitted on 21 November 2011 in The Hague, Netherlands. He expressed his confidence that the information and evidence presented by Thailand would be favorably considered by the Court because the Thai side had studied all issues comprehensively. The disclosure of the details of the written observations is, however, subject to the Court’s permission. Foreign Minister Surapong also expressed his confidence in Thailand’s team of advisors on international law, who are all very capable and knowledgeable and include renowned academics, legal experts, and professors. Members of the team have also been advisors on international law for other governments, such as France and New Zealand, as well as having held positions in the International Law Commission of the United Nations. He emphasized that despite a change in government, there was continuity in Thailand’s approach in handling the case regarding Cambodia’s request for the Court of International Justice to interpret its judgment on the Temple of Phra Viharn case from 1962. The previous government had established three committees: (1) the Committee Representing Thailand in the Case Concerning the Temple of Phra Viharn; (2) the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Working Group in Support of the Proceedings before the International Court of Justice on the Case Concerning the Temple of Phra Viharn; and (3) Special Committee for the Consideration of Conventions; they were formed with a view to preparing Thailand’s position regarding the Court’s consideration. These committees have been working without interruption and to date no changes have been made to their membership except for those whose positions were changed according to the appointment of the new Cabinet, such as the Foreign Minister or the Defense Minister. With regard to the implementation of the International Court of Justice’s order on provisional measures, which the Government had submitted for a general debate of the National Assembly in accordance with Section 179 of the Constitution on 15 November 2011, the Foreign Minister stated that further discussions with Cambodia within the framework of the Thai-Cambodian General Border Committee may involve further consideration of the National Assembly in accordance with Section 190 of the Constitution.