Thai Border Case Weaker, Thaksin Says

Fugitive former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has told Thai media that Cambodia has the stronger case in the legal dispute between the two countries over hotly disputed land around Preah Vihear temple. The comments-a first in public for a top Thai politician, past or present-come amid reports in Cambodian media that Mr. Thaksin, a personal friend and former adviser to Prime Minister Hun Sen, will visit the country in the coming days. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is currently “interpreting” its own 1962 ruling granting Preah Vihear temple to Cambodia in order to decide whether-as Cambodia contends-it also effectively handed over ownership of the disputed land around the temple. Thailand and Cambodia have fought several brief but deadly skirmishes over the land since 2008. After the last outbreak of fighting in April, Cambodia turned to the ICJ in hopes of having the matter settled once and for all. Speaking with the Bangkok Post, Mr. Thaksin said Thailand was holding the weaker hand. “Frankly speaking, Thailand is at a disadvantage in this case,” he was quoted as saying. …