Military plans for reaction to ruling on temple

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The armed forces yesterday discussed security measures in preparation for an International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling later this year on Cambodia's request for an interpretation of the court's 1962 verdict on the Preah Vihear temple on the Thai-Cambodian border.

Representatives from the Army, Navy and Air Force met at an undisclosed location in Bangkok yesterday. The meeting was chaired by General Padetkarn Chansawek, the armed forces chief-of-staff.

They came up with measures that could be taken in response to four possible rulings by the ICJ, ranging from a court rejection of Cambodia's request to a ruling that the disputed area around Preah Vihear belongs to Cambodia, according to a source familiar with this matter.

The meeting assessed the preparedness of the armed forces in dealing with possible security issues on the border with Cambodia following a new court verdict, according to the source.

The participants also discussed improvement in the armed forces' intelligence operations, as Cambodia appeared to have the upper hand over Thailand after recent developments in the border conflict, the source said.

In a related development, the Defence Ministry sought Cabinet approval to set up six working groups to directly deal with border issues with neighbouring countries.

-- The Nation 2013-01-16

Thailand, having already rejected the previous ICJ court ruling, will not accept a non favourable ruling by the ICJ again this time, so they may as well go back to direct talks rather than an intervention by an international body who is nothing more than a toothless arbitrator. The ICJ cannot enforce its rulings so why waste time?

Thailand, having already rejected the previous ICJ court ruling, will not accept a non favourable ruling by the ICJ again this time, so they may as well go back to direct talks rather than an intervention by an international body who is nothing more than a toothless arbitrator. The ICJ cannot enforce its rulings so why waste time?

They accepted the previous (1962) ruling.

555 the brave Thai military, I bet the Cambodians are absolutely bricking themselves. How many generals did they send? More generals than the US army but have not fought a war in 50+ years. Let it go Thailand, it isn't yours.

555 the brave Thai military, I bet the Cambodians are absolutely bricking themselves. How many generals did they send? More generals than the US army but have not fought a war in 50+ years. Let it go Thailand, it isn't yours.

1600 generals at the last count apparently.... more than any other military in the world.

Time for a cull?

Noted absentee from the meeting is the government i note.

Thailand, having already rejected the previous ICJ court ruling, will not accept a non favourable ruling by the ICJ again this time, so they may as well go back to direct talks rather than an intervention by an international body who is nothing more than a toothless arbitrator. The ICJ cannot enforce its rulings so why waste time?

Your comment on the ICJ ability to enforce its rulings is interesting. There are a number of cases where states have refused to comply, or delated compliance. My understanding is that this would end up before the UN Security Council for deliberation. I reckon of few years would pass before any teeth would be bared. However, non compliance could have some unintended consequences such as;

1. Impact upon the nation's sovereign debt ratings. Non compliance would negatively impact Thailand's political risk. Investors are not fond of countries that do not comply with international court rulings and there are plenty of investment groups that have ethical compliance requirements.

2. Impact upon the immediate foreign relations with its neighbours, specifically China. The China card will be interesting because of its ongoing territoreal disputes with Vietnam, the Phillipines and Japan. What will China do?

3. Impact the large amounts of foreign aid delivered to Thailand through various NGOs that have ethical compliance guidelines. Some donors may balk at funding a country that does not comply with an ICJ ruling. I do however recognize that the USA and Japan may not really care and might continue their generous handouts, but non state associated groups may have a different position.

In any case, non compliance could create an international embarassment for Thailand.

555 the brave Thai military, I bet the Cambodians are absolutely bricking themselves. How many generals did they send? More generals than the US army but have not fought a war in 50+ years. Let it go Thailand, it isn't yours.

1600 generals at the last count apparently.... more than any other military in the world.

Time for a cull?

Cambodia has more than 2000 generals, but I agree with u about the strength of the thai opera army. Ask the laotians .

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Clearly there are that many Generals that those left out of the secret meetings have nothing better to do than gossip. It is a poor reflection on national security when the subject matter of secret military meetings at secret locations is in the national press.

They better send occupation forces to the Hague.

"intelligence" and "armed forces" is an oxymoron.

just kidding.

well, in some countries...

555 the brave Thai military, I bet the Cambodians are absolutely bricking themselves. How many generals did they send? More generals than the US army but have not fought a war in 50+ years. Let it go Thailand, it isn't yours.

"have not fought a war in 50+ years." This is normally considered to be a "good thing". Politicians start wars, armies fight them.

Thailand, having already rejected the previous ICJ court ruling, will not accept a non favourable ruling by the ICJ again this time, so they may as well go back to direct talks rather than an intervention by an international body who is nothing more than a toothless arbitrator. The ICJ cannot enforce its rulings so why waste time?

Your comment on the ICJ ability to enforce its rulings is interesting. There are a number of cases where states have refused to comply, or delated compliance. My understanding is that this would end up before the UN Security Council for deliberation. I reckon of few years would pass before any teeth would be bared. However, non compliance could have some unintended consequences such as;

1. Impact upon the nation's sovereign debt ratings. Non compliance would negatively impact Thailand's political risk. Investors are not fond of countries that do not comply with international court rulings and there are plenty of investment groups that have ethical compliance requirements.

2. Impact upon the immediate foreign relations with its neighbours, specifically China. The China card will be interesting because of its ongoing territoreal disputes with Vietnam, the Phillipines and Japan. What will China do?

3. Impact the large amounts of foreign aid delivered to Thailand through various NGOs that have ethical compliance guidelines. Some donors may balk at funding a country that does not comply with an ICJ ruling. I do however recognize that the USA and Japan may not really care and might continue their generous handouts, but non state associated groups may have a different position.

In any case, non compliance could create an international embarassment for Thailand.

Good points.

I think you're probably right about the USA as it now accepts rulings on an individual basis after a ruling went against it over it's involvement in Nicaragua. I assume that means it's fully behind any ruling that goes it's way otherwise it ignores it so it may be difficult to complain about Thailand although as far as I know Thailand still recognises the jurisdiction of the court. Of course what they'll do in the event of the ruling going against them is anybodies guess.

555 the brave Thai military, I bet the Cambodians are absolutely bricking themselves. How many generals did they send? More generals than the US army but have not fought a war in 50+ years. Let it go Thailand, it isn't yours.

1600 generals at the last count apparently.... more than any other military in the world.

Time for a cull?

They probably have more generals than the whole of NATO. Most of them only command armies of caddies.

Thailand, having already rejected the previous ICJ court ruling, will not accept a non favourable ruling by the ICJ again this time, so they may as well go back to direct talks rather than an intervention by an international body who is nothing more than a toothless arbitrator. The ICJ cannot enforce its rulings so why waste time?

Your comment on the ICJ ability to enforce its rulings is interesting. There are a number of cases where states have refused to comply, or delated compliance. My understanding is that this would end up before the UN Security Council for deliberation. I reckon of few years would pass before any teeth would be bared. However, non compliance could have some unintended consequences such as;

1. Impact upon the nation's sovereign debt ratings. Non compliance would negatively impact Thailand's political risk. Investors are not fond of countries that do not comply with international court rulings and there are plenty of investment groups that have ethical compliance requirements.

2. Impact upon the immediate foreign relations with its neighbours, specifically China. The China card will be interesting because of its ongoing territoreal disputes with Vietnam, the Phillipines and Japan. What will China do?

3. Impact the large amounts of foreign aid delivered to Thailand through various NGOs that have ethical compliance guidelines. Some donors may balk at funding a country that does not comply with an ICJ ruling. I do however recognize that the USA and Japan may not really care and might continue their generous handouts, but non state associated groups may have a different position.

In any case, non compliance could create an international embarassment for Thailand.

What would the UN Security Council do? Israel still efuses to comply with the Security Council's own rulings since the late 40s and nothing has happened.

Thailand, having already rejected the previous ICJ court ruling, will not accept a non favourable ruling by the ICJ again this time, so they may as well go back to direct talks rather than an intervention by an international body who is nothing more than a toothless arbitrator. The ICJ cannot enforce its rulings so why waste time?

Your comment on the ICJ ability to enforce its rulings is interesting. There are a number of cases where states have refused to comply, or delated compliance. My understanding is that this would end up before the UN Security Council for deliberation. I reckon of few years would pass before any teeth would be bared. However, non compliance could have some unintended consequences such as;

1. Impact upon the nation's sovereign debt ratings. Non compliance would negatively impact Thailand's political risk. Investors are not fond of countries that do not comply with international court rulings and there are plenty of investment groups that have ethical compliance requirements.

2. Impact upon the immediate foreign relations with its neighbours, specifically China. The China card will be interesting because of its ongoing territoreal disputes with Vietnam, the Phillipines and Japan. What will China do?

3. Impact the large amounts of foreign aid delivered to Thailand through various NGOs that have ethical compliance guidelines. Some donors may balk at funding a country that does not comply with an ICJ ruling. I do however recognize that the USA and Japan may not really care and might continue their generous handouts, but non state associated groups may have a different position.

In any case, non compliance could create an international embarassment for Thailand.

What would the UN Security Council do? Israel still efuses to comply with the Security Council's own rulings since the late 40s and nothing has happened.

…and all of us with a little common sense and knowledge of the power structure especially in the US know why there are no sanctions applied to Israel. However, how much of Jewish or anyone else’s power and money would be spend in Thailand’s favour?

Thailand, having already rejected the previous ICJ court ruling, will not accept a non favourable ruling by the ICJ again this time, so they may as well go back to direct talks rather than an intervention by an international body who is nothing more than a toothless arbitrator. The ICJ cannot enforce its rulings so why waste time?

Your comment on the ICJ ability to enforce its rulings is interesting. There are a number of cases where states have refused to comply, or delated compliance. My understanding is that this would end up before the UN Security Council for deliberation. I reckon of few years would pass before any teeth would be bared. However, non compliance could have some unintended consequences such as;

1. Impact upon the nation's sovereign debt ratings. Non compliance would negatively impact Thailand's political risk. Investors are not fond of countries that do not comply with international court rulings and there are plenty of investment groups that have ethical compliance requirements.

2. Impact upon the immediate foreign relations with its neighbours, specifically China. The China card will be interesting because of its ongoing territoreal disputes with Vietnam, the Phillipines and Japan. What will China do?

3. Impact the large amounts of foreign aid delivered to Thailand through various NGOs that have ethical compliance guidelines. Some donors may balk at funding a country that does not comply with an ICJ ruling. I do however recognize that the USA and Japan may not really care and might continue their generous handouts, but non state associated groups may have a different position.

In any case, non compliance could create an international embarassment for Thailand.

What would the UN Security Council do? Israel still efuses to comply with the Security Council's own rulings since the late 40s and nothing has happened.

…and all of us with a little common sense and knowledge of the power structure especially in the US know why there are no sanctions applied to Israel. However, how much of Jewish or anyone else’s power and money would be spend in Thailand’s favour?

I have a lot of common sense, but am never the less intrigued as to why you think Israel does not face sanctions. IF Thailand abides by the ICJ decision it is likely to lose the land it claims and there will be trouble. If Thailand does not abide by the ICJ decision then in the future, it will be unable to take to the ICJ all the cases it wants to, such as Abhisit and Suthep for the 2010 troubles. Thaksins desire to see Abhisit and Suthep stitched up is far greater than him being bothered about a few rai of land on the Cambodian border.

Thailand, having already rejected the previous ICJ court ruling, will not accept a non favourable ruling by the ICJ again this time, so they may as well go back to direct talks rather than an intervention by an international body who is nothing more than a toothless arbitrator. The ICJ cannot enforce its rulings so why waste time?

Your comment on the ICJ ability to enforce its rulings is interesting. There are a number of cases where states have refused to comply, or delated compliance. My understanding is that this would end up before the UN Security Council for deliberation. I reckon of few years would pass before any teeth would be bared. However, non compliance could have some unintended consequences such as;

1. Impact upon the nation's sovereign debt ratings. Non compliance would negatively impact Thailand's political risk. Investors are not fond of countries that do not comply with international court rulings and there are plenty of investment groups that have ethical compliance requirements.

2. Impact upon the immediate foreign relations with its neighbours, specifically China. The China card will be interesting because of its ongoing territoreal disputes with Vietnam, the Phillipines and Japan. What will China do?

3. Impact the large amounts of foreign aid delivered to Thailand through various NGOs that have ethical compliance guidelines. Some donors may balk at funding a country that does not comply with an ICJ ruling. I do however recognize that the USA and Japan may not really care and might continue their generous handouts, but non state associated groups may have a different position.

In any case, non compliance could create an international embarassment for Thailand.

What would the UN Security Council do? Israel still efuses to comply with the Security Council's own rulings since the late 40s and nothing has happened.

…and all of us with a little common sense and knowledge of the power structure especially in the US know why there are no sanctions applied to Israel. However, how much of Jewish or anyone else’s power and money would be spend in Thailand’s favour?

I don't think the Jews or Israel are financing Thailands bid for this site. I don't even think the Temple is situated in Israel.

I always wonder what those who sling off at the Thai arny really know.

It is far more than just a fighting force and does a great deal for the Thai people. in some cases possibly even more than the Govt.

If you dont believe that try a trip to The army hospital Pramonkutklow in BKK any morning and see just how many Thai patients are treated there and that trearment is first class. All the Dr's and nurses are army including a fair few generals.

It also has a medical school and nursing collage in the grounds which produces some of the best specialists in the country who incidentaly are often farmed out to other public and private hospitals around the country when they need a specialist that they dont have on their staff.

Then there are all the other army hospitals around the country, had to go to the one at Lopburi last week to pick up some papers for a relly of the Mrs.

And there is much more, possibly you missed how much they did during the floods.

It being the Kings army could it be that they are one of the few things that is stopping the present Govt running rough shod over the whole country?

Anyway whats wrong with planning?, I suspect the country would be better off with more of it.

Another thought:

The planning they are doing will be to cover the Govts possible reaction to the ruling and what they may have to do to because of that reaction.

I don't belive Loss of Face r Us is in the training manual so they will have to improvise,I hope this will be peaceful,sadly they armed with high calibre weapons rather than philosophy,philanthropy or diplomacy and blind obedience to the err...................Pope,or was that the Spanish Inquistion?

A post with a messed up quoted post has been removed as well as some replies.

"The meeting was chaired by General Padetkarn Chansawek, the armed forces chief-of-staff.

Good name for a Thai general: Padetkarn (Thai script removed) = "Dictator".

Edited January 17, 201313 yr by metisdead
: This is the English language forum, you can use Thai script in the Thai language forum.

I have a lot of common sense, but am never the less intrigued as to why you think Israel does not face sanctions. IF Thailand abides by the ICJ decision it is likely to lose the land it claims and there will be trouble. If Thailand does not abide by the ICJ decision then in the future, it will be unable to take to the ICJ all the cases it wants to, such as Abhisit and Suthep for the 2010 troubles. Thaksins desire to see Abhisit and Suthep stitched up is far greater than him being bothered about a few rai of land on the Cambodian border.

I'll try again ...

The ICJ (temple land) is different than the ICC (2010 troubles).