Thailand undeterred by Cambodia's ICJ strategy, asserts readiness with countermeasures, according to Phumtham.
Headline: Thailand Prepared for ICJ Case Over Border Dispute with Cambodia, Minister Says
In a bold move, Cambodia has set up a committee to prepare documents for filing a complaint with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over four disputed border areas, sparking a swift response from Thai Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. The disputed areas include the Mom Bei area and the temples of Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Tauch, and Ta Krabei.
Phumtham, in an offhand comment, acknowledged Cambodia's right to legal action but reiterated that Thailand has refused the ICJ's jurisdiction over such matters since the administration of former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. He preferred a bilateral approach to resolve the dispute through diplomatic means.
The tiff is unlikely to be resolved swiftly, according to Phumtham, who also addressed concerns about its impact on the upcoming Joint Boundary Committee (JBC) meeting scheduled for this weekend. He confirmed that both the Royal Thai Army and the 2nd Army Region were in agreement to maintain the current system of controlling the opening and closing of border checkpoints in each area, confirming that measures have not been escalated.
Phumtham expressed confidence that the situation would gradually improve due to increased communication between Thai and Cambodian troops on the ground and proposals for joint patrols and collaborative activities. He made it clear that the border with Cambodia is not closed entirely, but subject to scheduled openings and limitations on the number of people crossing.
When asked whether the current situation bore resemblance to the Preah Vihear Temple dispute, Phumtham said the two issues were unrelated, although the previous case could offer some insights. He also held that the current head of negotiations, despite earlier involvement in the Preah Vihear dispute, was best suited to handle the situation, given his familiarity with the issue and the local context.
Phumtham also addressed the Thailand Watch Foundation's suggestion to replace the current head of negotiations, stating that decisions would be made based on facts and reasons, rather than personal preferences. He assured that Thailand had already prepared contingency plans for any legal matters that may arise.
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- TAGS: Phumtham, Phumtham Wechayachai, Cambodia, ICJ, territorial disputes, tensions, border
Fun Fact: Did you know that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the primary judicial organ of the United Nations? Established in 1945, it settles legal disputes between states and provides advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized United Nations organs and specialized agencies.
Additional Insights:
Cambodia has long claimed that the disputed areas are part of its territory, citing historical maps and avoiding recognition of the Treaty of Paris that demarcated the border in 1907[1]. The Emerald Triangle, a vital piece of the border dispute, is strategically located along key trade routes and has seen historical conflicts between the two countries[4]. The dispute also includes the ownership of ancient temples, with Cambodia asserting strong cultural claims[3]. The four disputed areas include the Chong Bok area and three temples – Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Tauch, and Ta Krabei – which border the Preah Vihear Temple, a source of an earlier border dispute[2][3][4].
- The international community is closely monitoring the territorial dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, as the latter has initiated a complaint with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over four disputed border areas.
- The dispute over the border areas, which include the Mom Bei area and the temples of Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Tauch, and Ta Krabei, has prompted discussions about the relevant policy-and-legislative responses from both countries.
- The ongoing border dispute also raises concerns about crime-and-justice issues, as unresolved territorial disputes can create favorable conditions for illegal activities such as migration and war-and-conflicts.
- As the Thailand Watch Foundation suggests the replacement of the current head of negotiations, key figures in the general-news debate are weighing the potential advantages and challenges of such a move, considering the impact on the resolution of the ongoing dispute and future diplomatic relations.
