Wednesday, 30 September 2009

Govt trying for good ties with Cambodia



Published: 30/09/2009
(Post by CAAI News Media)

The government has been trying to maintain a good relationship with Cambodia and is cautious when making comments about the disputed border near Preah Vihear temple, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said on Wednesday.

"The government does not want to exacerbate the situation, but it must protect the sovereignty of the country at the same time," said Mr Suthep, who is in charge of security affairs.

People from the two countries can live together as usual, but the yellow-shirt People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) should be more careful in their activities over the border row, he said.

Last week, PAD protesters gathered near the ancient temple to demand the Cambodian government remove its people from the disputed border area.

The government had already asked the Cambodian government about the roads it built to the ancient temple, but the roads can be used by people from both countries, Mr Suthep said.

Mr Suthep said he believed the National Anti-Corruption Commission's ruling against former prime minister Samak Sundaravej and former foreign minister Noppadon Pattama was rational.

The anti-graft agency on Tuesday voted 6-3 to bring charges against Mr Samak and Mr Noppadon for neglect of duty under Article 157 of the Criminal Code over their support of the joint communique with Cambodia on the listing of Preah Vihear temple as a world heritage site.

Meanwhile, Thai troops have been reinforced at the entrance to Khao Phra Viharn National Park in Si Sa Ket province, and people are not being not allowed on Mo I Daeng Cliff, which overlooks the temple.

On the Cambodian side, there were reported to be many well-armed Cambodian troops near the 11th century temple.

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