Senator Warns Cambodia Over Miss Universe's Thai Dress Choice
A Thai senator warned that Miss Universe Cambodia's choice to wear a Thai dress at her debut was provocative during ongoing maritime arbitration between the countries, urging both sides to maintain respect for successful negotiations.
On September 21 at Parliament, Senator Nopadol Inna, chairman of the Senate's Foreign Affairs Committee, addressed the case of Miss Universe Cambodia wearing a Thai dress at her debut. He noted that both countries are currently engaged in mandatory arbitration under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982), with joint meetings beginning September 15, and that the core principle of arbitration is mutual respect and honor.
Nopadol stated that provocation of any kind does not help create a good atmosphere for negotiations between the two parties. After Thailand's opening statement on September 15, the Thai side clearly urged Cambodia to avoid raising issues that could damage bilateral relations. Such behavior should be avoided as it affects the feelings of Thai people and will harm the atmosphere of future negotiations both on land and at sea.
Regarding the Senate's stance, Nopadol said that diplomatic and administrative action is the role of the executive branch. The legislative branch will only take action or issue a counter-statement if Cambodia's legislature overstepped, distorted facts, or defamed Thailand. He called on all parties to reduce the provocative atmosphere to allow negotiations to proceed.
