Deputy PM confident tensions at Thai-Cambodian border will ease

MCOT English News
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BANGKOK, July 4 (TNA) -- Tensions at the Thai-Cambodian border are expected to ease as concerned army officers of the two countries progress in negotiations, Thai Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said on Saturday.

Mr. Suthep, who oversees Thailand’s security affairs, told journalists before leaving for Cambodia that he would have an opportunity to meet Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen, but troop reductions at the border -- which Cambodia asked Thailand to begin reducing troops first -- will not be discussed.

He said he would not go into detail on the issue as military commanders of both sides would have to negotiate.

However, Mr. Suthep said he is confident that situation at the border would not deteriorate.

Mr. Suthep is scheduled to inaugurate the construction of a 131-kilometre highway linking Anlong Veng and Siem Reap province along with Mr. Hun Sen.

Thailand in August 2006 signed a Bt1.3 billion loan agreement to finance the highway construction.

The highway will reach Thailand at a border checkpoint in Si Sa Ket province upon completion, set for 2010. It will benefit peoples of both countries for land transport and simultaneously help boost bilateral trade and investment. (TNA)