On 24 January 2013, Mr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, gave a press interview on the Philippines bringing the South China Sea dispute to the Arbitral Tribunal under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, as follows:

1. Concerning reports that the Philippines has decided to bring the dispute on the South China Sea to the Arbitral Tribunal under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, this is deemed to be a national position of the Philippines to exercise their right to explore peaceful avenues to settle the dispute.

2. We believe that all parties to the dispute should pursue peaceful means to settle this dispute.

3. At the same time, it is also necessary to carry out enhanced dialogue within the ASEAN-China framework.

4. It is also essential to work closely to enhance trust and confidence based on agreed commonalities, namely the Declaration of Conduct (DOC), including to begin discussions on the development of the Code of Conduct on the South China Sea (COC).

5. In this regard, Thailand, as country coordinator, will carry out close consultations with all parties concerned. I have instructed my Permanent Secretary, as SOM Leader, to pursue this consultation with China, the Philippines and other parties concerned.