2nd Army to rein in PAD border protest

Writer: WASSANA NANUAM AND AFP
Published: 18/09/2009

The 2nd Army plans to restrict a rally scheduled for tomorrow by a group linked to the People's Alliance for Democracy in a bid to prevent any possible intrusion into a disputed border area claimed by both Thailand and Cambodia.

The move comes amid fears the PAD protesters will enter the 4.6-square-kilometre disputed area and proceed to the Preah Vihear temple ruins.

There are concerns this could lead to possible clashes with Cambodian troops and villagers, which would further complicate the border dispute.

Second Army chief Wibulsak Neepal yesterday said an area on the Thai side of the border had been designated for the PAD demonstrators to hold their rally.

Lt Gen Wibulsak said the disputed area, which is claimed by both Thailand and Cambodia, was a danger zone.

He said the overlapping area had limited space and few facilities, and was not suited for a rally.

Thai troops stationed at the border have been told to ensure protesters do not enter the danger area and that there are no clashes between the protesters and Cambodian soldiers and villagers who have built houses and shops in the area.

Those planning to take part in the rally were advised to comply with the law and factor in the significance of maintaining good relations with Cambodia.

Lt Gen Wibulsak was concerned the feared intrusion by the PAD into the 4.6-square-kilometre no-man's land and temple ruins could complicate efforts to resolve the border conflict. "The rally could add to the border dispute and hinder negotiations [to end the dispute] between the two countries," he said.

However, he said some protest leaders had agreed to move to areas in Si Sa Ket's Kantharalak district which borders the disputed area.

The protest will probably draw supporters from Bangkok as well.

PAD key figure and protest leader Veera Somkwamkid has vowed to lead supporters to the disputed area and the temple tomorrow.

Mr Veera has reportedly distributed leaflets among villagers in provinces close to Preah Vihear in a bid to drum up support "to reclaim Thailand's rightful ownership" of the ancient Hindu temple and the disputed land.

Mr Veera led a march of several hundred supporters on Aug 28 up to the Pha Mor E Daeng cliff in Kantharalak district near the Preah Vihear temple.

Soldiers stopped them from entering the disputed zone. The army only agreed to let eight of the group, including Mr Veera, into the area.

Cambodia yesterday deployed riot police at Preah Vihear in response to the planned protest.

Cambodian defence spokesman Chhum Socheat said at least 50 police with dogs, batons and tear gas had been sent to the temple ahead of the demonstration.

"Our anti-riot police have been deployed to the border at Preah Vihear temple in case the Thai yellow shirt protesters illegally cross the border to cause problems," Chhum Socheat said.

"We will order our forces to prevent them from entering. We don't want bloodshed to happen, but if they don't listen to us, we will use our self-defence measures."