Thailand ready for the JBC [... and it will have to wait for some time still!]

9/6/2011
Source: www.thaigov.go.th

Thailand reiterates its readiness for the holding of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting to resolve border dispute with its neighbouring country Cambodia, said Government Spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn on Tuesday after the Cabinet meeting.

Thailand firmly believes that the best way to resolve border disputes is through existing bilateral mechanisms. It is now up to Cambodia to agree on the holding of the JBC meeting to move forward the demarcation process, added the Thai Government Spokesman.

As regards other means of settling the Thai-Cambodian border dispute, Thailand welcomes the facilitation of its ASEAN friends and appreciates Indonesia’s role (sic!), as the current ASEAN Chair, to provide avenues for dialogue. Thailand also welcomes, in principle, the initiative of Indonesia to send its observer teams to the disputed area. However, more clarity is required before the team can be deployed on the ground.

On 30-31 May, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague held an oral hearing on the request by Cambodia in regard to the indication of provisional measures pending the Court’s consideration of the request for interpretation of the Court’s judgment in the Case Concerning the Temple of Phra Viharn in 1962. The Court is expected to render its decision on the provisional measures in 3-4 weeks, while the consideration on interpretation of the judgment in the Temple case is expected next year.

It is hoped that the Courts’ rulings would help pave the way for peace and stability in the region, while not affecting the troop adjustments or the undergoing border demarcation process between the two neighbouring countries.

Thailand has always upheld its role and responsibility as a peaceful and law abiding member of the United Nations in accordance with the United Nations Charter. It has fully respected and complied with the rulings of the ICJ pertaining to the Temple Case since 1962. Pending Court’s consideration of the recent request by Cambodia on this matter, Thailand remains open to bilateral talks and utilization of existing bilateral mechanisms in peacefully resolving the long-standing border dispute.