Suthep to explain opposition to heritage listing to Cambodia

By: Bangkok Post
Published: 23/06/2009
http://www.bangkokpost.com

Deputy Prime Minister for security affairs Suthep Thaugsuban said on Tuesday he will on Saturday visit Cambodia to meet Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and explain the case Thailand is making to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) about the registration of the Preah Vihear ancient temple as a World Heritage site by Cambodia.

Mr Suthep said the petition is a matter between the Thai government and Unesco, and had nothing to do with Cambodia, which owns the temple.

If all conflict was cleared up, the situation between the two neighbouring countries would improve, he said.

He believed neither Thailand nor Cambodia wanted any problem with each other.

Army chief Anupong Paojinda made a visit to the Thai-Cambodian border area near Preah Vihear temple on Tuesday morning.

His trip followed reports Cambodia had sent troop reinforcements, extra 130mm artillery pieces and T-54 tanks to the border.

News media in Cambodia earlier reported there were unusual movements of Thai troops in expectation that the situation would become tense after Thailand asked Unesco to review the registration of the Preah Vihear temple as a world heritage site.

Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong also said his country was ready for any situation which might follow the reinforcement of troops on the Thai side of the border.