Thai nationalist group takes stand against ICJ and its ruling on Preah Vihear [What if the ICJ decided in favour of Thailand, will these Thai extremists reject that ICJ decision too?]

Bangkok (The Nation/ ANN) -- Nationalist groups said yesterday they will take a stand against the International Court of Justice (ICJ) verdict on Preah Vihear Temple, as they do not trust the Pheu Thai government - which they say is ready to cede territory to Cambodia.

"Thai people who know the reality would not allow the government to comply with the ICJ judgement. What the government has done could be deemed as 'selling the nation' to foreigners," Chaiwat Sinsuwong, leader of Thai Patriotic Network, said.

The group lodged a petition with the government and the United Nations to announce that Thailand was rejecting any possible verdict from the ICJ as it deemed the court did not have jurisdiction over the temple. The same plea was sent to the UN secretary-general, the UN Security Council and ICJ judges, he said.

"We are taking action both domestically and internationally," he said. "Just like the Free Thai Movement, which took dual action against the government during World War II. We will use all means to force the government to withdraw from the ICJ."

The court is expected to deliver the verdict next Monday.

Thailand and Cambodia have been at loggerheads over the temple for more than half a century now.

"This verdict will not be good for people of both countries as it could spark further conflicts and even war," he said.

Chaiwat's group was part of the movement which first ignited conflict between the two countries when they pressured governments in the Thaksin Shinawatra camp to oppose Cambodia's move to have the temple listed as a World Heritage Site in 2008.