Indonesian observers tipped for temple role

July 17, 2012

Bangkok Post

The Foreign and Defence ministries will submit details on the proposed deployment of Indonesian military observers around the Preah Vihear temple to the cabinet for approval next week.

Foreign Ministry Surapong Tovichakchaikul said the two ministries were drafting the terms of reference for their deployment and hope to get clearance from the Council of State and the Supreme Commander before sending them to the cabinet. The document must be approved by parliament under Article 190 (2) of the constitution before being put into force.

Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to move troops from a 17.3 sq km demilitarised zone which includes a disputed 4.6 sq km piece of land around Preah Vihear temple.

The troop redeployment and the Indonesian observer deployment are based on last year's ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) following border clashes between the countries early last year.

"This will be in compliance with the ICJ's provisional measures and allow the Indonesian military observers to be stationed in the disputed areas around the temple before an oral hearing next April," said Mr Surapong.
The court has called an oral hearing on Cambodia's petition for April 15 and 19, 2013. The verdict is expected by October next year.

Mr Surapong said lawyers representing Thailand in the court case have recommended the kingdom comply with the ICJ's order to withdraw military personnel from the provisional demilitarised zone as well as cooperate with Asean by allowing in observers before next year's hearing.

"Relations between Bangkok and Phnom Penh have improved and there is no fighting at this time. So it is easier to explain to the court," Mr Surapong said. Cambodia's chairmanship of the World Heritage Committee next year would not affect the court case. "We are not worried about the verdict," he said.

He denied Thailand's troop redeployment was being carried out because Cambodia had announced its own troop reshuffle last Friday. Mr Surapong said the Thai military is moving its troops from the disputed areas in response to the ICJ's order.

Defence Minister Sukumpol Suwanatat said after meeting Mr Surapong that he would preside over a Thai troop redeployment ceremony at the border tomorrow. Soldiers are to be withdrawn from the area and replaced by border patrol police.

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Tea Banh will preside over a similar ceremony.
ACM Sukumpol said the redeployment would match that of Cambodia.

Thailand and Cambodia will also discuss further details regarding compliance with the ICJ's provisional orders at a meeting of their Joint Working Group on July 25, he said.

"My duty is to comply with the international court and ensure we are not at a disadvantage in this case," ACM Sukumpol said. It is believed that around 300 border patrol officers from Sakon Nakhon to Udon Thani provinces would replace the Thai soldiers.