The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement confirming Thailand wants all issues in the South China Sea to be resolved through peaceful means and cooperation.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued its statement following the International Tribunal in The Hague yesterday ruling in favor of the Philippines on the matter of navigation rights in the South China Sea, concluding China has no rights to claim areas of the open water. In its statement, the ministry pointed out Thailand’s desire to see peace, stability and development in the South China Sea and its wish for all issues in the area to be addressed through talks based on confidence and trust. It noted long standing ASEAN-China relations while reaffirming Thailand’s commitment to the ASEAN stance on the South China Sea issue, which is to maintain peace and mutual benefit.

Foreign Minister Don Poramudwinai later remarked he was not concerned that Thailand would be drawn into the issue and indicated that the ASEAN collective would not be issuing a formal statement as each of its member countries has already made its declaration.

Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha meanwhile, reminded the public that Thailand is not directly involved in the matter and should not act unilaterally, confirming the Kingdom would adhere to ASEAN decisions on the issue.