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