THAILAND: ICJ ELECTIONS

UNCLAS BANGKOK 003500 SIPDIS SENSITIVE DEPARTMENT FOR IO, EAP/BCLTV E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL TH SUBJECT: THAILAND: ICJ ELECTIONS REF: STATE 80697 ¶1. (SBU) Per reftel instructions, on May 16 Poloffs delivered diplomatic note seeking RTG support for the reelection of Judge Buergenthal to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to the MFA North America Division. ¶2. (SBU) Poloff subsequently discussed reftel talking points with Phasporn Sangasubana, Administrative Affairs Director of the MFA's International Organizations Division. Phasporn said that our diplomatic note had been forwarded to their "National Group" in the Permanent Court of Arbitration for consideration. Phasporn noted that the MFA had received similar demarches from other countries in support of their candidates and said the Thai National Group would meet soon to assess the candidates. Phasporn said she could not comment on which candidate the Thai National Group would likely support, but noted that Judge Buergenthal was favorably known at the ICJ. ARVIZU