It is taking the opportunity to give explanations on the issue to create better understanding among the people through all media channels.
As certain groups of people are planning to stage
protests against the Government’s handling of the border dispute, Prime
Minister Yingluck Shinawatra urged them to demonstrate peacefully and not to
politicize the issue.
She assigned Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister
Phongthep Thepkanjana, who is a legal expert, to work with Deputy Prime
Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul in looking into the
case. The Prime Minister stressed that the Government would do its best for the
national interest and that it would adopt diplomatic means to avoid tensions
along the Thai-Cambodian border. The Government wanted various groups to
express their opinions and listen to the views of others in an effort to join
forces in protecting the country’s sovereignty.
She said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs could set
up a team of spokespersons to give explanations on the issue, without seeking
Cabinet approval. If there is any important issue that needs a decision, the
issue must be brought up to the National Assembly for consideration, since it
is the duty of every party to help seek a resolution.
The situation is that Cambodia has asked the
International Court of Justice to interpret its judgment on 15 June 1962 in the
case concerning the Temple of Phra Viharn. Cambodia also wants the court to
explain on the sovereignty of the disputed area surrounding the temple.
The Thai government is scheduled to present oral
arguments to the International Court of Justice on 17-19 April 2013. The court
ruling on the disputed area is likely to be made in late 2013.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong
Tovichakchaikul stated that the Government is willing to listen to the people’s
opinions on the issue. Four mechanisms have been established regarding the
Temple of Phra Viharn case. The first mechanism is the Committee Representing
Thailand in the Case Concerning the Temple of Phra Viharn, which consists of
the Foreign Minister, the Defense Minister, representatives from the Royal Thai
Armed Forces Headquarters, the Royal Thai Army, the Royal Thai Survey
Department, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Office of the Council
of State.
The second mechanism is the Special Committee for the
Consideration of Conventions. The third one is a team of legal advisors,
appointed by the Prime Minister. The fourth mechanism is the Thai-Cambodian
Joint Working Group, with Deputy Supreme Commander General Worapong Sanganetra
representing the Thai side.
The Thai Ambassador to The Hague, Mr. Weerachai Palasai,
represents the Thai government at the court, while the Cambodian government is
represented by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and
International Cooperation, Mr. Hor Namhong.
(thailand.prd.go.th)