The Thai diplomat to the UN believes the international community will not meddle in the dispute between Thailand and Cambodia over the Preah Vihear Temple

Cambodian PM Agrees to Help Ease Border Tension
UPDATE : 29 June 2009


The Thai diplomat to the United Nations believes the international
community will not meddle in the dispute between Thailand and Cambodia
over the Preah Vihear Temple. Meanwhile, the Cambodian Prime Minister
reportedly pledges to help lessen the tension along the Thai-Cambodian
border.


Speaking about his Saturday's visit to Cambodia, Deputy Prime Minister
in charge of national security Suthep Thaugsuban revealed Cambodian
Prime Minister Hun Sen has assured him there will be no re-emergence
of violence and tension along the border will be lessened.

Suthep said the bilateral cooperation discussed include the
construction of Satum Ngam Dam and the development of natural gas
fields in the overlapping areas in the Gulf of Thailand.

The Deputy Prime Minister said Thai prisoners in Cambodia will be
returned to the country, following a cooperation pact reached between
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Cambodian PM Hun Sen during
Abhisit's recent visit to Cambodia.


Suthep noted that a reception in his honor was held at Hun Sen's
residence instead of the Cambodian Government House as usual because
his trip was an unofficial one.

Meanwhile, Thai Ambassador to the United Nations Norachit Singhasenee
said the international society would view the Thai-Cambian border
situation as a matter between the two countries and would leave both
countries to resolve the conflict by themselves.

Norachit, however, admitted the UN is concerned about the increased
tension at the Thai-Cambodian border and it wants to see reduction of
troops on both sides as soon as possible.

The Thai diplomat said that Cambodia's registration of Preah Vihear
Temple as a world heritage site must not have any effect on Thai
sovereignty. He noted Thailand may welcome a proposal on the joint
development of the area.

Norachit, however, declined to comment on Natural Resources and
Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti's efforts to protest the listing
of Preah Vihear Temple as Cambodia's world heritage site at the World
Heritage Committee meeting.
.

Relevant Pages