Up to 1,000 expected at border rally, PAD divided

Writer: WASSANA NANUAM and APINYA WIPATAYOTIN
Published: 19/09/2009

Up to 1,000 protesters are expected to converge at the border with Cambodia near Preah Vihear temple for a protest asserting Thai sovereignty today.

The rally looks set to go ahead despite last-minute pleas by the government and army that protesters should stay at home and avoid causing trouble.

The People's Alliance for Democracy has called the gathering, but its leaders are divided over whether it should go ahead.

The rally to protest against Cambodia's decision to build new houses and bring in Cambodians to the disputed area is led by PAD member Veera Somkwamkid alone.

A source in the group said some of the five core leaders opposed the rally but did not want to show their opposition for fears that it would paint the PAD in a negative light.

PAD coordinator Suriyasai Katasila urged the government to make clear how it would deal with the increasing encroachment of Cambodians in the area unsettled by the two countries and called on the government to ensure safety for the demonstrators.

Army chief Anupong Paojinda said yesterday soldiers would stop the demonstrators from reaching the 4.6-square-kilometre area at the Khao Phra Viharn national park office in Kantharalak district in Si Sa Ket.

Gen Anupong said the army supported the government's policy of solving the land dispute with Cambodia through negotiations. It was worried the demonstration could affect the talks.

"Allowing them to enter the [disputed] area may cause misunderstandings and clashes between soldiers. Any arrests could also affect our attempts to find solutions," Gen Anupong said.

The army chief also expressed his concern about the safety of demonstrators, saying the disputed area had not been cleared of landmines.

Some people in Si Sa Ket also disagreed with the protest.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva asked the public to have faith in his government's attempts to solve the issue.

He said all ministries agreed that negotiations were the best way to protect Thai sovereignty in the disputed area. "It is of no use going there, as it poses risks," he said.

Mr Veera yesterday filed complaints with Kantharalak police seeking legal action against the Cambodians for having encroached on the disputed area.

He said the rally would continue until the government issued clear measures to expel the Cambodians.

Meanwhile, National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department chief Kasemsun Chinnavaso dismissed a report that Khao Phra Viharn park chief Suwan Wattanapitakpong was punished for allowing more than 20 protesters to take over the park's office on Thursday.

They hoped to use it as the base of the rally today.

"I have not forced him to transfer. He made his own decision with no pressure. He has been working there for over nine years. He probably wanted to work in other areas," Mr Kasemsun said. "I approved his transfer request. I am also trying to find a new post for him."