On 14 April 2013 at the Hague, Mr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Duputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Air Chief Marshal Sukumpol Suwanatat, Minister of Defence, had a meeting with the Thai delegates and the foreign legal counsels and experts to finalize the oral arguments to be presented to the International Court of Justice in the Case Concerning the Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of 15 June 1962 in the Case Concerning the Temple of Preah Vihear (Cambodia v. Thailand) to be held from 15 to 19 April 2013.  During the meeting, the foreign legal counsels and experts expressed their confidence in the information in the statements that Thailand will deliver at the public hearings and the Thai approach to the case.

After the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong gave a press interview reaffirming Thailand’s readiness to argue its position in the Court.  He also expressed his full confidence in the validity of arguments and evidence to be presented.  Defence Minister Sukumpol said that the Thai security agencies had provided much information that the foreign legal counsels and experts found useful.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister also encouraged the Thai public to follow live telecasts of the oral proceedings on the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (TV Channel 11), Radio Thailand (FM 92.5 and AM 981), Radio Saranrom (AM 1575), and on the internet at www.phraviharn.org.  Those who are interested can also find on the same website the written arguments submitted to the Court last year by Thailand and Cambodia which will be disclosed at the Court’s permission on 15 April 2013 at 15.00 hrs. Bangkok time.