Newly-installed Thai defence minister urged Hun Sen-Yingluck talks

Yutthasak: PM, Hun Sen should meet

Published: 10/08/2011
Writer: Wassana Nanuam
Bangkok Post

A meeting between Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen would probably pave the way for a resumption of the General Border Committee (GBC) meetings, which have long been stalled, Defence Minister Yutthasak Sasiprapa (pictured) said on Wednesday.

The new defence minister said he would give priority to solving the Thai-Cambodian border problem. He would next week make an inspection trip to the border in Si Sa Ket province.

"I would like the army chief (Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha) to know that I will next week make a private trip to visit the three southern border provinces.

"After that I will go to Si Sa Ket in Army Region 2 to see the Thai-Cambodian border situation at Preah Vihear temple to get first-hand information so that I can discuss the matter with commanders of the armed forces.

"My priority is to solve the border problem," Gen Yutthasak said.

Gen Yutthasak said since Hun Sen appeared to be on good terms with Ms Yingluck, he would like the two to meet so that the Cambodian prime minister would give the green light for Gen Tea Banh, the Cambodian defence minister, to agree a GBC meeting.

"Without holding a GBC meeting, we will not be able to talk about the withdrawal of troops (from the designated provisional demilitarised zone) and allowing the Indonesian observers into the area," he said.

"We have to abide by the International Court of Justice's ruling. However, we have to make sure that both sides are in a win-win situation. To be in a win-win situation, we have to be friends," he added.

Once Hun Sen gives the green light, he would invite Gen Tea Banh for dinner in Bangkok and after that he would go to visit him in return, Gen Yutthasak said.

"Gen Tea Banh and I are old friends. We frequently met at meetings abroad when I was permanent secretary for defence and deputy defence minister.

"Gen Tea Banh also wants to come to Bangkok, but Hun Sen must first give him permission," he said.

An army source said Lt-Gen Tawatchai Samutsakhon, the 2nd Army commander, will host a Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting on Aug 23-24 at the 2nd Army headquarters in Nakhon Ratchasima to discuss the withdrawal of troops.

The meeting's results could be used by the defence minister when he goes to the next GBC meeting, to be hosted by Cambodia, the source said.