Thailand prepares legal team to fight at ICJ

BANGKOK, May 4 (TNA) - A legal team from Thailand is awaiting Cabinet approval for a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) involving Cambodia, says Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban.

The arrangement follows Cambodia’s recent petition that the world court interpret its ruling of 1962 on the ownership of Preah Vihear temple, to clarify a long-standing territorial dispute over areas surrounding the 11th century compound.

Suthep, who oversees national security, issued the statement after the cabinet meeting on Tuesday, but declined to give any further detail on the team of legal experts, saying it may unnecessarily influence the case.

The deputy premier said however, authorities will be preparing Thailand’s defense, after Cambodia raised the issue that was ruled back in 1962 for interpretations. He insisted to the court and the world community, that Cambodia was deliberately moving to assert its rights beyond Preah Vihear temple, on the disputed surrounding plot of land.

Suthep reaffirmed however, Thailand will fight Cambodia at the court, to prove its claim is unjustified. (TNA)