15/09/2009
BangkokPost.com
The planned yellow-shirt protest on the Thai side of the disputed border near Preah Vihear temple might only add fuel to the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said on Tuesday.
The yellow-shirt People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) plans to gather near the border area this Saturday, demanding that the 11th century khmer temple be "returned" to Thailand. The PAD protest will coincide with the red-shirt rally of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship in Bangkok.
"I don't know what the PAD's intentions are. They can gather and express their feelings but they should be careful of being at odds with the Cambodian side," Mr Suthep said.
The deputy premier, who oversees security affairs, said the Thailand-Cambodia Joint Border Commission (JBC) was looking into the ownership of 4.6 square kilometres of disputed land next to the ancient temple.
He called on people not to interfere with the JBC's work.
"Everyone loves their country and I would like everyone not to exacerbate the situation," he said
Asked about the PAD protesters who might try to drive Cambodian villagers and traders out of the disputed area, Mr Suthep said both governments had been look at ways to solve this problem.
"The tension between the two countries has eased," he added.
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