BANGKOK, July 20 (TNA) -- More than half of the total respondents in a new nationwide Suan Dusit Poll believe that the row over the ancient temple now taking place between Thailand and neighboring Cambodia will escalate and turn into a major crisis between the two countries.
Suan Dusit Rajabhat University conducted its survey among 3,055 people in Bangkok and upcountry during July 17-20 and found that 54 per cent of the respondents believed that conflicting claims over a disputed area near the temple, and on the Preah Vihear temple itself, could become a more serious problems between Thailand and Cambodia, as they both had sent troop reinforcements along the border in the area.
Only 19 per cent of the respondents thought the issue would not blow out of proportion because the temple was awarded to Cambodia by the International Court of Justice in 1962. However, they worry that the ongoing problem could affect the normally warm relations and investment between the two nations.
Asked about people's confidence in regard to the Thai government's attempts to solve the temple problem, 39.55 per cent said they were uncertain. They reasoned that previous Thai governments had allowed the temple issue to drag on for a long time while former Thai foreign minister Noppadon Pattama had also signed a joint communique with Cambodia supporting its application to list the temple as a World Heritage site.
On attempts by Thai military to help solve the problem, 36 per cent said they did not have much confidence and the problem should be handled by the government.
Their opinions were made as Thailand's Supreme Commander Gen. Boonsang Niempradit prepared to depart to lead the Thai delegates to meet Cambodian Defence Minister Gen. Tea Banh in Thailand's Sa Kaeo province on the Thai-Cambodia border adjacent to Poi Pet to find ways to end the military confrontation near the temple. (TNA)
Suan Dusit Rajabhat University conducted its survey among 3,055 people in Bangkok and upcountry during July 17-20 and found that 54 per cent of the respondents believed that conflicting claims over a disputed area near the temple, and on the Preah Vihear temple itself, could become a more serious problems between Thailand and Cambodia, as they both had sent troop reinforcements along the border in the area.
Only 19 per cent of the respondents thought the issue would not blow out of proportion because the temple was awarded to Cambodia by the International Court of Justice in 1962. However, they worry that the ongoing problem could affect the normally warm relations and investment between the two nations.
Asked about people's confidence in regard to the Thai government's attempts to solve the temple problem, 39.55 per cent said they were uncertain. They reasoned that previous Thai governments had allowed the temple issue to drag on for a long time while former Thai foreign minister Noppadon Pattama had also signed a joint communique with Cambodia supporting its application to list the temple as a World Heritage site.
On attempts by Thai military to help solve the problem, 36 per cent said they did not have much confidence and the problem should be handled by the government.
Their opinions were made as Thailand's Supreme Commander Gen. Boonsang Niempradit prepared to depart to lead the Thai delegates to meet Cambodian Defence Minister Gen. Tea Banh in Thailand's Sa Kaeo province on the Thai-Cambodia border adjacent to Poi Pet to find ways to end the military confrontation near the temple. (TNA)
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