Respect key as ICJ date nears

EDITORIAL

Published: 7 Jan 2013 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

The early call for Thailand to prepare for new hearings on the Preah Vihear temple is shrewd. Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha and other senior officials are rational about the issue. In about 100 days, Cambodia and Thailand will make legal submissions to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the disputed area around the temple. Thailand is sensibly hoping for the best, while preparing for the worst.

Mr Surapong, with the strong support of Gen Prayuth, said Thailand must respect the ICJ, which also is known as the World Court. They are correct. The ICJ is the body which decided in 1962 that the temple _ known in Thailand as Khao Phra Viharn _ belonged to Cambodia. That was a controversial decision. Few if any Thais even saw the logic in that ICJ ruling. But the fact then, and now, is that there are two choices. Thailand can support, defend and respect the rule of law _ or there will be war.

The government and the military are rightly concerned that extreme nationalists would rather force the country to fight. And this year, the extremists are adding fuel to their anti-ICJ rhetoric. Thaksin Shinawatra supposedly has secretly arranged a deal with Cambodia. The Phnom Penh government will give Thaksin and friends access to oil-rich areas, or allow them to run tourist resorts. In return, Thaksin has agreed to hand over control of the contested 4.6 sq km of "sacred Thai soil" around Preah Vihear.

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shopwow
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Discussion 6 : 07 Jan 2013 at 22.586
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It seems to be a pass time (paid?) for Bangkok Post to bash the opposition and the PAD at every opportunity. Step back, and let the dust settle - I am not a Thai but am willing to give respect and attention to every voice in this country, no matter what color and party it comes from. The temple entrance stands on what is legally Thai land. When you talk about a foreign country, it does not matter whether it is 4.6km or even 1 inch - the army has a duty to fight for and die for it. Had it not been for the doubts about the P.T government and Thaksin's close links with Hunsen and Cambodia, your editorial might have been been more acceptable.
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pheakdey
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Discussion 5 : 07 Jan 2013 at 18.445
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The land around Preah Vihear is only accessible from Thailand. The Foreign Ministry's lawyers must point out to the world court judges how unfair and illogical it would be to favour Cambodian claims.

PAD always claimed that Thailand never abide by or respect the international court of law since 2505(1962) and why should we thais respect it now?. no wonder that's why the entrance is on thai side.
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ianprince
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Discussion 4 : 07 Jan 2013 at 12.404
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4.6 sq km is a small thing. Cambodia has so few people, so they don't really the extra space. Thailand is so populated, Thai should have the extra 4.6 sq km.
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watchdog
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Discussion 3 : 07 Jan 2013 at 06.563
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I also agree. Thailand's reputation for complying with international obligations is appallingly bad. Failing to comply with this will only further tarnish Thailand's reputation. It would be devastating. But I don't think PAD really cares about Thailand's reputation or Thailand generally. They have a domestic agenda which is nationalistic in the extreme, but that agenda has nothing to with Thailand and Thais. It designed to solely to gain advantage in Thai domestic politics. And if Thailand and Thais suffer as a result, PAD and those behind PAD don't really care.
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packman
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Discussion 2 : 07 Jan 2013 at 03.362
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The Yellow shirts have so much hate in them that they will do anything to try to destroy this government and this country just to have things their way. What a shame these people would have young men die for a few rai of useless land.
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hopper
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Discussion 1 : 07 Jan 2013 at 02.131
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I can't agree more. What is the logic behind the PAD's strategy. Regardless the outcome of the ICJ ruling, PAD will strike anyway. It's the Wolf and the Lamb of the fable. But this time PAD seems to have lost its traditional ally, the army which seems to be siding with the reason. I have hard time to believe that Thailand as a civilized country with its well educated people would adhere to the PAD's idea, and let them rock the boat at their will. In the other hand what's the point to gain 4.6skm, while both countries are part of ASEAN which will be achieved in a couple of years.
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Respect key as ICJ date nears | Bangkok Post: opinion