Former Thai foreign minister Noppadon Pattama finds new way to express his point of view

Noppadon book hits back at his critics
By The Nation
Published on November 1, 2008


Former foreign minister Noppadon Pattama yesterday released his book
"I Am No Traitor" to defend his record relating to the Preah Vihear
Temple controversy.


Noppadon resigned in July in the wake of a censure debate on his
involvement in the Cambodian push to include the ancient temple on the
World Heritage List, seen by the opposition as having repercussions on
Thai territorial integrity.


"Facts in my book will show that I am a political victim," Noppadon
said.


He said opponents of Thaksin Shinawatra tried to fault him as part of
their smear campaign against the ousted leader.


He denied that the joint communiqu? he signed had put Thailand at risk
for losing 4.6 square kilometres.


Bilateral negotiations to resolve the border dispute with Cambodia are
the best option available as other means, such as multilateral talks,
international mediation, the United Nations involvement and litigation
in the International Court of Justice, would likely be unfavourable to
the Thai side, he said.


Banned Thai Rak Thai Party executive Chaturon Chaisang said Noppadon
was swept out of office by the frenzy of ultra-nationalism although he
was not at fault.
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