[Preah Vihear] ICJ ruling may wait until late next year

Thani: Case may go to the Netherlands

25/04/2012
Thanida Tansubhapol
Bangkok Post

The International Court of Justice might not complete its consideration of the dispute about the border land surrounding the Preah Vihear temple until late next year.

The delay in the court's interpretation of its own 1962 verdict will come about if both Thailand and Cambodia are asked to give verbal testimony.

Thailand will have another chance on June 21 to defend its position to the court by sending written observations on Cambodia's written defence, which was submitted last month.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Thani Thongphakdi yesterday said the court will then consider whether the information provided is sufficient to make a decision.

If not, both countries might be requested to give verbal testimony at the ICJ in the Hague, Netherlands.

If both countries have to do this, the case is likely to be concluded in the second half of 2013. Otherwise, it will be resolved within the first half of next year, said Mr Thani.

Bangkok sent its first written observations to the court on Nov 21 last year. Phnom Penh defended its position on March 8 this year.

Last year, Cambodia asked the ICJ to interpret the 1962 ICJ verdict, which ruled that the Preah Vihear temple belonged to Cambodia but did not mention the area around the Hindu temple.

The Thai position is that the court does not have the authority to decide the boundary issue.

Thailand and Cambodia have both claimed ownership of the 4.6 square kilometres around the temple, leading to clashes along the border during the past few years.

Thai-commissioned foreign lawyers are scheduled to meet with related agencies in Thailand on May 10. They will also call on Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, the Council of State, the military, the prosecutors and the Foreign Ministry, said Mr Thani.