The government should refuse to accept the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over the Thai-Cambodia border dispute, says the People's Alliance for Democracy.
People’s Alliance for Democracy leaders call on the government not to accept the International Court of Justice’s jurisdiction over the border dispute with Cambodia. PANUMAS SANGUANWONG
PAD leaders said yesterday they would submit a petition to the government on Tuesday urging it to refuse to recognise the court's pending ruling. The group opposed any move that could put the country at a disadvantage, they said.
Cambodia has asked the court to interpret its 1962 judgement which awarded it ownership of the temple. Both sides will attend an oral hearing in April.
The PAD is calling on the government to announce during the court hearing that the ICJ has no authority to intervene in the dispute and it does not accept the ICJ's jurisdiction.
In the 1962 ruling, the court left alone the surrounding area of 4.6 sq km which is claimed by both countries. A verdict is expected in October.
The PAD is also pressing the government not to implement the ICJ's injunction which orders demilitarisation of the disputed area, saying compliance is unnecessary when the ICJ's jurisdiction is not accepted.
The group's move came after Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said he was concerned some groups might politicise the issue if the court does not rule in the country's favour.
"If the government chooses not to do what is suggested, and continues to campaign for the public to accept the ruling, the government should be ashamed of itself as a traitor," the PAD leaders said.
"It must be held responsible if the country's sovereignty is infringed on."
PAD spokesman Panthep Puapongpan yesterday lambasted Mr Surapong for his comments over the dispute.
"He seemed to ask the people to be prepared if the ruling isn't in our favour. That's inappropriate," he said.
Mr Panthep said the government should not put the country's territory at risk by going to the court.
The PAD spokesman said if Thailand fights the case and loses, it is likely to lose the disputed area. Even if the ICJ rules in the country's favour, the disputed area will remain contested by both countries.
He said Thailand will be able to maintain the status quo at the border if it does not accept the court's authority.