Thailand Ready to Explain Its Position in the Case Concerning the Temple of Preah Vihear

(15/04/2013)

The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul, has reaffirmed Thailand’s readiness to explain its position in the International Court of Justice concerning the Temple of Preah Vihear.

Mr. Surapong and Minister of Defense Air Chief Marshal Sukumpol Suwanatat on 14 April 2013 held a meeting with the Thai delegates and the foreign legal counsels and experts to finalize the oral arguments on the issue.

The oral arguments will be presented to the International Court of Justice during the public hearings in the Case Concerning the Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of 15 June 1962 in the Case Concerning the Temple of Preah Vihear (Cambodia v. Thailand).

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the public hearings will be held at the Court from 15 to 19 April 2013 in The Hague, the Netherlands.

During the meeting, the foreign legal counsels and experts expressed their confidence in the information in the statements that Thailand will deliver at the public hearings and the Thai approach to the case.

Mr. Surapong expressed his full confidence in the validity of arguments and evidence which will be presented. Air Chief Marshal Sukumpol said that the foreign legal counsels and experts had expressed their appreciation to the Thai security agencies for supplying useful information.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister also encouraged the Thai public to follow live telecasts of the oral proceedings on the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (Television of Thailand Channel 11), Radio Thailand (FM 92.5 and AM 981), Radio Saranrom (AM 1575), and on the internet at http://phraviharn.org.

Those who are interested can also find on the same website the written arguments submitted to the Court in 2012 by Thailand and Cambodia which will be disclosed at the Court’s permission on 15 April 2013.

Also on 14 April 2013, a special news center on the oral hearings was opened at Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok. The center will operate until 19 April.