Govt united on border observers, says Abhisit
11th Arpril, 2011
By Lamphai Intathep
Bangkok Post
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva insists that there is no conflict between the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the army over Thailand's refusal to accept Indonesian military observers into the disputed area on the Thai-Cambodian border.
The prime minister said Sunday that the ministry and the army understood the government's stance that Thailand would not allow Indonesian observers to enter the 4.6 square-kilometre disputed area around the Preah Vihear temple.
"If the Indonesian observers were allowed to go into the disputed area, it would make the border situation worse," said Mr Abhisit.
He was responding to Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong, who said he was disappointed that Thailand had refused to accept Indonesian military observers into the disputed area.
Mr Hor Namhong was quoted as saying that Thailand sent conflicting messages on Indonesia's role as mediator in the border dispute between the two countries. "Frankly speaking, it's really difficult to deal with them," he said.
"The government, the foreign minister, says one thing while the military says another thing.
"We don't know who we can trust, who to deal with. We don't know who really has the right to negotiate."
Mr Hor Namhong was speaking to reporters in Jakarta ahead of the Special Asean-Japan Meeting to discuss post-disaster assistance for tsunami-hit Japan.
But Mr Abhisit said Thailand had discussed the matter with Indonesia and it was well understood.
Mr Abhisit also said that the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting between Thailand and Cambodia which ended last Friday in Bogor, Indonesia, went smoothly. He said Thailand could tell the international community that Thailand and Cambodia could successfully resolve their border conflict through these kinds of bilateral talks.
Meanwhile, Thailand is being criticised in the region for its decision to deploy cluster bombs in its February border clashes with Cambodia.
The Cluster Munition Coalition, based in the UK, last week condemned Thailand's use of the munitions. The army responded, denying it used cluster bombs.
Lao Foreign Minister Thongloun Sisoulith was quoted Sunday by the Phnom Penh Post as saying that use of cluster bombs during the clashes was a serious concern, as they were "horrific" weapons.
Thailand has admitted using 155-millimetre Dual Purpose Improved Conventional Munition (DPICM) - large shells launched from the ground that split open and release dozens of smaller bomblets across a wide area - but the the army said it does not define the weapon as a cluster munition.
Mr Thongloun urged all countries to sign and adhere to the 2008 convention banning the use of cluster bombs.
Bangkok Post
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva insists that there is no conflict between the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the army over Thailand's refusal to accept Indonesian military observers into the disputed area on the Thai-Cambodian border.
The prime minister said Sunday that the ministry and the army understood the government's stance that Thailand would not allow Indonesian observers to enter the 4.6 square-kilometre disputed area around the Preah Vihear temple.
"If the Indonesian observers were allowed to go into the disputed area, it would make the border situation worse," said Mr Abhisit.
He was responding to Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong, who said he was disappointed that Thailand had refused to accept Indonesian military observers into the disputed area.
Mr Hor Namhong was quoted as saying that Thailand sent conflicting messages on Indonesia's role as mediator in the border dispute between the two countries. "Frankly speaking, it's really difficult to deal with them," he said.
"The government, the foreign minister, says one thing while the military says another thing.
"We don't know who we can trust, who to deal with. We don't know who really has the right to negotiate."
Mr Hor Namhong was speaking to reporters in Jakarta ahead of the Special Asean-Japan Meeting to discuss post-disaster assistance for tsunami-hit Japan.
But Mr Abhisit said Thailand had discussed the matter with Indonesia and it was well understood.
Mr Abhisit also said that the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting between Thailand and Cambodia which ended last Friday in Bogor, Indonesia, went smoothly. He said Thailand could tell the international community that Thailand and Cambodia could successfully resolve their border conflict through these kinds of bilateral talks.
Meanwhile, Thailand is being criticised in the region for its decision to deploy cluster bombs in its February border clashes with Cambodia.
The Cluster Munition Coalition, based in the UK, last week condemned Thailand's use of the munitions. The army responded, denying it used cluster bombs.
Lao Foreign Minister Thongloun Sisoulith was quoted Sunday by the Phnom Penh Post as saying that use of cluster bombs during the clashes was a serious concern, as they were "horrific" weapons.
Thailand has admitted using 155-millimetre Dual Purpose Improved Conventional Munition (DPICM) - large shells launched from the ground that split open and release dozens of smaller bomblets across a wide area - but the the army said it does not define the weapon as a cluster munition.
Mr Thongloun urged all countries to sign and adhere to the 2008 convention banning the use of cluster bombs.
5 comments:
What Cambodia going to do after exhausted all the options peacefully only a couple more options have left may the best option after all is to go to war for peace.
Loser have nothing to lose either way Thailand is a loser nothing is belong to Thailand at the first place.
Thailand have the borders issues with all her neighbors she had a brief war with Lao in 80 and it look like she going to have war with us .
It will test our premier ability to win it convincingly either ways .
The clash will be inevitable in the near future what we going to do if Thailand push us too far the inferno will happen and is the big one.
Dr.Shinawatra, you need to find your way back to rescue us Thais really fast. Thai military and current government brought shames to our country and our people time after time. Seize your opportunity to have our people make revolution to get rid off this kind of current leadership. Are you waiting until after the old man is gone by natural cause first?. The Isan and the North are ready for your coming at any moment now.
In the past France have to force Siam to sign the treaty .
Present day what Cambodia have to make Thai honor the treaty zero it is a long battle and a brutal one .
Thai can push Khmer around because they can ,Look this way if Khmer can push them around probably we do why not.
Let build up our military and let them think twice before they lay a hand on us.
Every clashes few village along theirs border are flattening they can't blames us because they base theirs military in the villages.
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