Foreign Minister Says Thailand Ready If Cambodia Takes Border Issue to World Court

15 February 2011 -- Bangkok Post

The government is ready to present its case in the Thai-Cambodian border dispute if Phnom Penh takes the issue to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said on Tuesday.

Mr Kasit commented after the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) called on the two countries to establish a permanent ceasefire and settle their dispute themselves.

"Right now, all the problems rest with Cambodia and whether it will follow the UNSC's call. If not, other countries won't support Cambodia because it started first," the minister said.

The government will see if Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong  attends the Asean Foreign Ministers meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Feb 22 and the Thai-Cambodian Joint Border Commission meeting on Feb 27.

At the UNSC hearing last night, the council called on Thailand and Cambodia to show maximum restraint.