EW YORK, Sept 27 (Bernama) -- Thailand's Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said on Monday that the ministry will draft a plan to revive Thai-Cambodian bilateral ties with cooperation by many sectors and at various levels before forwarding it for the prime minister's approval soon, Thai News Agency (TNA) reported.
The foreign minister made the remarks after Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen talked for half an hour on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York agreeing that warm relations between the two neighbouring countries are vital for the benefit of their people.
The diplomatic standoff between the two neighbouring countries resulted in part from Cambodia's unilateral management plan for the environs of the ancient Preah Vihear temple that sits on contested land claimed by both Thailand and Cambodia.
Kasit said he will start the drafting process once he returns to the Thai capital and expects to forward it for the premier's approval soon.
The plan to restore the relationship with Cambodia includes operations and activities at both local and central levels, Kasit said.
For local operations, the foreign ministry will coordinate with the Second Army Area, the Royal Thai Navy, and with the governors of provinces adjacent to the Cambodian border.
Cultural, sports and academic exchange activities between the peoples of the two kingdoms will be held, while medical and humanitarian aid as well as landmine clearance and disposal operations will be conducted mutually, according to the foreign minister.
"We also want to seek cooperation with Cambodian authorities in the registration of Thai and Cambodian [nationals] living along the borders and foragers in order to avoid violence in case they stray and accidentally trespass into the (other country's) territory," said Kasit.
"Troops of both sides can contact each other. When a problem occurs, they should talk to avoid the use of violence and must be able to identify and distinguish local residents foraging along the border from criminal rings.
"We must speed up joint operations in suppressing criminals and syndicates smuggling illegal products," Kasit said.
The Thai foreign minister said the opening of more border checkpoints should be opened to facilitate trades, transportation and tourism along the border. But the checkpoints should be opened in appropriate areas which are not under disputed area or risk for stepping over landmines.
The policy at the central level is involved with assistance in development roles in various fields. The draft will cover operations for the new (fiscal) year which will begin in October, he said.
Kasit also expressed hope that Cambodian Minister of Information and Cambodian media will accept his invitation to visit Thailand and discuss the ongoing disputes to create better understanding between the two nations.
-- BERNAMA
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