Thai PM hopes ICJ verdict could be accepted by people

BANGKOK, November 10 (TNA) - Reiterating that the Thai government has put efforts in fighting against Cambodia on disputed land area near the ancient Preah Vihear temple, Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said on Sunday she hopes a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) could be accepted by both countries and their peoples could continue living peacefully. Miss Yingluck, also defence minister, said in her official Facebook, that no matter what the outcome of the ICJ ruling is, the two countries must discuss in order to achieve final solution that is acceptable by both sides. ICJ’s ruling on the disputed land will shed “vital details” and the government and the legal team must study it carefully by taking Thai laws stipulated in the Constitution and the maximum benefits the country could gain into consideration, said Miss Yingluck. The government will issue a statement Monday night after the ICJ verdict is made, she said. Thailand and Cambodia are close neighbours, therefore the two countries must cherish their good relations as well as promoting stability and advancement in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Miss Yingluck said. In particular, the two countries must help in maintaining peace along the border . The Hague-based ICJ is scheduled Monday to issue its ruling on the disputed 4.6-sq-km area of land near the Preah Vihear temple after the Phnom Penh government brought the case to the court in April 2011. ICJ in 1962 awarded Preah Vihear temple to Cambodia and the ruling has rankled in Thailand ever since. Surrounding land near the ancient temple remains in dispute and the Phnom Penh government asked the ICJ to issue the ruling following frequent bloody clashes in the past. (TNA)