On 27 May 2011, Mr. Thani Thongphakdi, Director-General of the Department of Information and Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, said in an interview that Mr. Kasit Piromya, Minister of Foreign Affairs, would make a trip to the Hague, the Netherlands during 28 May — 2 June 2011. He stated that on 30-31 May 2011, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) would hold a public hearing on Cambodia's submission of a request for the ICJ to indicate provisional measures, pending the Court’s consideration of Cambodia’s request for interpretation of the 1962 ICJ judgment on the case of the Temple of Phra Viharn. Both Thailand and Cambodia would present their respective observations on the said issue.
Earlier on 28 April 2011, Cambodia submitted a request for the ICJ to indicate three provisional measures, namely: (1) an immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all Thai forces from those parts of Cambodian territory situated in the area of the Temple, (2) a ban on all military activity by Thailand in the area of the Temple, and (3) that Thailand refrain from any act which could interfere with the rights of Cambodia or aggravate the dispute in the principal proceedings. During this trip, Foreign Minister Kasit would meet and discuss with Thailand’s legal team on the preparations for the 30-31 May public hearing, and also attend the said hearing, the result of which is expected within 1-3 weeks.
The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson added that according to the Statute of the ICJ, pending its deliberation of a case, the Court may indicate any provisional measures to preserve the respective rights of the parties involved, taking into account the reasons and urgency for such measures. After its consideration, the Court may rule to reject the request for provisional measures, indicate measures as requested in whole or in part, or indicate measures other than those requested, which the parties would have to comply. The consideration of the provisional measure is separate from the Court’s consideration of Cambodia’s request for the interpretation of the 1962 judgment. Hence, the Court’s indication of provisional measures does not mean that it has made any ruling on the interpretation case.
Those interested can follow Thailand’s presentation of its observations to the ICJ during the public hearing on 30-31 May 2011 via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ twitter at www.twitter.com/MFAThai_PR_EN
For further information, please contact the Press Division, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel.02-6435170, Fax.02-6435169, E-mail: div0704@mfa.go.th