Thai FM to clarify Thai-Cambodian border negotiation framework

BANGKOK, Sept 6 (TNA) -- Foreign Affairs Minister Kasit Piromya is expected to inform the Thai public regarding the Thai-Cambodian negotiation framework, especially regarding the disputed ancient Preah Vihear temple, on state television Monday, said Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

During his weekly radio and television broadcast, Mr Abhisit said that details of international negotiation frameworks approved by both houses of Parliament last Wednesday were numerous and that the foreign affairs minister needed to explain them on television.

Thailand’s stance in relation to the disputed temple after it was awarded UN World Heritage status remains unchanged, Mr Abhisit said, and the government would put every efforts into preventing such a problem from occurring again.

Troops of both countries remain deployed near the temple. Thailand is finding ways to negotiate to meet the agreement made in 2000, said Mr Abhisit.

Tensions between the two neighbouring countries flared in July 2008 when the temple was awarded UN World Heritage status. Although the World Court ruled in 1962 that it belonged to Cambodia, the most accessible entrance is in Thailand’s northeastern Si Sa Ket province.

Cambodia uses a French colonial map to demarcate the border, which Thailand says favours Cambodia. Thailand relies on a map drawn up later with American technical assistance.

Mr Abhisit said the 2000 agreement calls for a negotiation process and that both countries must refrain from changing the environment of the disputed area in way which could affect the other party’s rights.

The government is not remaining idle as it could affect the country’s sovereignty, the prime minister added.