via CAAI News Media
BANGKOK, Feb 5 (Bernama) -- Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban on Friday reaffirmed that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen will visit the disputed border areas near the ancient Preah Vihear temple this weekend, Thai News Agency (TNA) reported.
Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva earlier chaired a meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) to discuss various issues including Mr Hun Sen's plan to visit the border areas on February 6 and 7.
Citing Suthep, the news agency reported that the security agency initially instructed governors and the Second Army Area commander to take care of the Cambodian premier and oversee the situation.
Suthep declined to comment when asked whether Cambodia Prime Minister's visit is related to the recent moves of the anti-government groups attempting to incite violence.
However, he said that Thailand will inform Cambodia to avoid any problem along the border because such problem will affect the lives of local resident.
Suthep said that Hun Sen plans to visit three or four areas near the disputed zone and that he has warned Cambodia over possible intensified conflict following the visit.
An activist Veera Somkwamkid earlier announced that he will lead Thai nationals to the Preah Vihear temple in protesting Hun Sen's visit.
"We urged the activist not to make the situation more complicated.It is the government's responsibility to solve the Thai-Cambodian border conflict. If many parties get involved, the situation can intensify," he stressed.
Meanwhile, Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry said Hun Sen cannot enter the overlapping area claimed by both countries, without informing Thailand.
Citing Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Chavanont Intarakomalyasut, Thai News Agency said that there is no problem if Hun Sen visits within the Cambodian soil, and he cannot enter the 4.6 square kilometre border are claimed by both countries.
Following news reports on Hun Sen's visit this weekend, Thai soldiers along the border in Kantararak district of Si Sa Ket province stepped up security measures, while a number of army personnel are on standby to maintain order.
Second Army Area commander Lt-Gen Veevarit Chornsamrit said that he will meet with Cambodian deputy supreme commander Chea Dara to discuss Hun Sen's security plan.
Gen Veevarit said the Cambodian premier will preside at the opening ceremony of a village in a Cambodian border town and may visit Cambodian troops stationed along the border.
There's no report that Thailand's convicted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra will travel with Hun Sen as rumours have intimated, said Gen Veevarit.
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