Anupong: Don't enter disputed border

Writer: BangkokPost.com
Published: 19/09/2009

National army chief Anupong Paojinda on Saturday called on the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters in Si Sa Ket province not to enter the Thai-Cambodian disputed border as it would be dangerous.

The yellow-shirt PAD vowed to move into 4.6 square kilometres of land around the ancient Preah Vihear temple that is claimed by both countries.

"The army will act in accordance with the government's bilateral negotiation plan. We are now working on it and we will not do anything beyond this course," Gen Anupong said.

"The protesters can say they love the country but going into the disputed area would be dangerous and there could still be landmines," he said.

He said protests can take place if it can help improve the situation.

If the protesters entered into the disputed area, they could be arrested and the Cambodian government would say Thai people were trespassing on its territory. If the Thai government refused to accept the claim, the protesters might not be released, he said.

Gen Anupong also shot down the coup rumours, saying people should stop thinking about them.

"There is no need to stage a coup because we can solve problems through understanding and cooperation. I insist that no one will stage a coup," the army chief said.