On Tuesday, Thailand urged that the South China Sea conflict be addressed through joint efforts and by all means on the basis of mutual trust and confidence as well as equitable benefit, The Nation reported.

“Thailand attaches great importance to maintaining peace and stability in Southeast Asia and adjacent areas, as well as restoring trust and confidence among countries in the regions, in order to foster an environment conducive to sustainable growth and prosperity through cooperation on all constructive activities,” the statement read.

“The situation in the South China Sea should be addressed through concerted efforts and by every means, on the basis of mutual trust and confidence as well as equitable benefit, to reflect the nature of the long standing Asean China relations.

Foreign Ministry issued the statement a few hours before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague was set to release its final decision on the case, which was brought by the Philippines challenging China’s position, the report added.

On Tuesday afternoon, the international tribunal in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over a maritime dispute, concluding China has no legal basis to claim historical rights to the bulk of the South China Sea.

source: The Nation, Khaosod English, TWSJ