Professor Duncan McCargo evaluates the impact of the ICJ border disputes in Thailand

Professor of South East Asian Politics, Duncan McCargo, explains why the current political unrest in Thailand is proving persistent.

Professor of Southeast Asian Politics, Duncan McCargo, assesses the impact of Monday’s negative International Court of Justice (ICJ) decision concerning possession of the Preah Vihear temple on popular political opinion in Thailand.

Professor McCargo considers the ICJ verdict in light of growing political tension in Thailand, concluding that this controversial decision is, despite ensuing popular protests, “a ‘fake’ issue…the opposition is trying to create the momentum to topple the government by extra-parliamentary means”.