Bangkok: Senators have expressed confidence in Thailand's representation in the ongoing maritime dispute mediation process with Cambodia, as outlined under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Nopadol highlighted the superiority of the Thai team compared to Cambodia's, citing the involvement of two former presidents of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea. He emphasized their previous successes in cases involving Timor-Leste and Australia, and announced a shift towards a more proactive stance by the Senate in addressing statements made by Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen.
According to Thai News Agency, Senator Noppadol Inna, Chairman of the Senate's Foreign Affairs Advisory Committee, remarked on the strategic appointments made by the Cabinet. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sihasak Phuangketkaew, was appointed as head of the Thai negotiating team, with Ambassador Songchai Chaipatiyuth to Kuwait as deputy head. Their participation in the mediation process is deemed appropriate, with Ambassador Songchai's extensive background in treaties and international law expected to complement Deputy Prime Minister Sihasak's leadership effectively.
Mr. Noppadol also pointed out the expertise of the two commissioners nominated by Thailand, Judge Albert Hoffmann and Judge Rudiger Wolfrum, both experienced in international law and past presidents of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea. He noted that their involvement in previous mediation roles, such as in the Timor-Leste and Australia case, underscores their qualifications and suggests Thailand will not be at a disadvantage during this process.
He assured that the Thai team is composed of individuals with significant global standing and integrity, committed to adhering to UNCLOS regulations. Addressing Cambodia's intentions to negotiate benefits prior to demarcation, Mr. Noppadol conveyed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' efforts to challenge such discussions without a defined maritime boundary, aligning with international standards.
In response to potential misinformation from Cambodia, Mr. Noppadol revealed that Senate President Mongkol Surasatcha had established a foreign affairs advisory committee, chaired by himself, to counteract any damage to the Thai legislature. He asserted readiness to address any misleading information disseminated by Cambodia or other nations that could harm Thailand's interests.