On 4 January 2012, Mr. Thani Thongphakdi, Director-General of the Department of Information and Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, responded to media enquiries regarding the joint conservation assessment trip to Phra Viharn Temple and the firing at a Thai helicopter by Cambodian soldiers. Gist as follows:
1. The visit to the Phra Viharn Temple on 14 December 2011 was arranged by the Cambodian Government which had invited experts from many countries including Thailand to participate. In view of the ongoing case concerning the Request for interpretation of the Judgment of 15 June 1962 in the Case Concerning the Temple at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Thailand did not accept the invitation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also raised the issue with the UNESCO office in Thailand and was informed that the said visit was not conducted under the UNESCO framework and that the UNESCO officials in Cambodia and other experts who participated in the said visit were invited by the Cambodian Government. Thailand wishes to reiterate its position that the Kingdom would comply with its obligations regarding the ICJ’s Order of Provisional Measures and that both countries should cooperate in order to avoid any action that may go against the ICJ’s Order, especially as it is stipulated that “both Parties shall refrain from any action which might aggravate or extend the dispute before the Court or make it more difficult to resolve.” The above position has already been conveyed to the Cambodian side by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through a Note dated 12 December 2011.
2. Regarding the Thai Government’s response to the firing at a Thai helicopter by Cambodian soldiers on 15 December 2011, the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson stated that Cambodian soldiers had fired at the Royal Thai Navy’s helicopter while it was conducting a routine operation within Thai territory. After the incident, the Chantaburi and Trat Border Defence Command dispatched a Note dated 16 December 2011 to the Cambodian 3rd Military Region Chief requesting an investigation into the said incident as the local military units of both sides have long enjoyed good cooperation. The Thai side confirmed that it had followed past practice by coordinating with its Cambodian counterpart in advance of the helicopter’s re-supply operation. The Thai Minister of Defence also discussed the said incident with his Cambodian counterpart. Both sides agreed the good relations between Thailand and Cambodia be maintained. The Cambodian Minister of Defence expressed regret for the incident, noting that communication problems among its local military units led to a misunderstanding and provided assurances that such an incident would not reoccur. He also agreed to launch an investigation into the said incident. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on its part issued a Note dated 23 December 2011 to the Cambodian Embassy in Bangkok reiterating that the said helicopter of the Royal Thai Navy had not trespassed into Cambodian territory. It also expressed disappointment over such an attack and asked the Cambodian side to undertake an immediate investigation.
The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson underscored the close working relationship between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the relevant Thai agencies in line with established procedures concerning incidents along the Thai border in order to protect Thai sovereignty. Nevertheless, as the conduct of relations with neighbouring countries is a sensitive issue, the Ministry would not like to see such issues politicised which could affect overall relations with neighbouring countries.
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