Writer: Wassana Nanuam
Bangkok Post
Gen Vichit Yathip, the former deputy supreme commander, is expected to be made adviser to the defence minister. He is well connected with Cambodia's leaders, and is likely to help the government mend ties with Phnom Penh. Here he speaks about the challenges ahead.
Q: What is Cambodia's reaction to the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting which will take place in the next few weeks in an attempt to improve border ties?
A: Very good. Since the Pheu Thai Party's victory in the election, there's been a positive response from Phnom Penh. Prime Minister Hun Sen is ready to have the GBC meeting set up. [Cambodian deputy prime minister and defence minister] Gen Tea Banh, who will co-chair the meeting, has written to congratulate Defence Minister Yutthasak Sasiprapa and invite him to visit Cambodia.
The meeting could take place by early next month after the Regional Border Committee meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Second Army headquarters in Nakhon Ratchasima.
After that, a delegation including the Department of Border Affairs chief under the Royal Thai Armed Forces will travel to Cambodia to help prepare for the GBC meeting.
Q: Some reports say Cambodia doesn't want Indonesian observers in the disputed border area, is this true?
A: It may have been a misunderstanding. Gen Tea Banh has affirmed the Indonesian observers are needed to monitor the area, as agreed earlier.
Q: Do you plan to go to Cambodia?
A: I will go. We'll be there to talk and prepare for the meeting ahead of Gen Yutthasak's visit. We have many issues to discuss. But that shouldn't be a problem, because we're close.
Q: You've been in touch with Cambodia. How will the International Court of Justice's ruling [on the demilitarisation of the disputed border area] be implemented?
A: Cambodia said it would follow procedures and withdraw its troops from the area bound by the ruling. Gen Tea Banh said the ICJ stipulated that Cambodia must pull out its soldiers stationed at the rear of Preah Vihear temple, all the way to a military outpost at Ban Komui. The soldiers of the two countries must be kept far apart to prevent security tensions.
Q: Are police deployed in place of the soldiers?
A: Both countries have deployed their own police in the area. Cambodia says the police will be armed with handguns but not war weapons. They need firearms to deal with bandits and thieves and for self-defence.
Q: Will the Pheu Thai Party succeed in resolving the Thai-Cambodian border conflict?
A: There have been positive signs. The relations between the leaders of the two countries are cordial. During the general election, Cambodia was keeping its fingers crossed and was glad Pheu Thai won. Cambodia doesn't want to fight and we should be good neighbours.
Q: Do you think using personal connections to get jobs done means we might be letting Cambodia exploit us?
A: No. Before we agree to anything, we consider the matter carefully. No one is put at a disadvantage. We take people's concerns on board and we'll tend to those concerns. We're doing everything to forge peace and maintain relations between the two countries.
Q: It has been reported that [ousted prime minister] Thaksin Shinawatra plans to enter Cambodia.
A: I've asked the Cambodian authorities and they said that is not the case. I believe Thaksin knows what he should do and when.
Q: If and when you become the defence minister's adviser, how do you propose to tackle problems related to disputes with Cambodia?
A: With or without the position, I'm willing to help. I was distressed to see Thailand and Cambodia embroiled in problems. Gen Yutthasak asked me to assist him and I accepted. If I have a position, I'll be able to work more effectively.
Gen Vichit Yathip, the former deputy supreme commander, is expected to be made adviser to the defence minister. He is well connected with Cambodia's leaders, and is likely to help the government mend ties with Phnom Penh. Here he speaks about the challenges ahead.
Q: What is Cambodia's reaction to the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting which will take place in the next few weeks in an attempt to improve border ties?
A: Very good. Since the Pheu Thai Party's victory in the election, there's been a positive response from Phnom Penh. Prime Minister Hun Sen is ready to have the GBC meeting set up. [Cambodian deputy prime minister and defence minister] Gen Tea Banh, who will co-chair the meeting, has written to congratulate Defence Minister Yutthasak Sasiprapa and invite him to visit Cambodia.
The meeting could take place by early next month after the Regional Border Committee meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Second Army headquarters in Nakhon Ratchasima.
After that, a delegation including the Department of Border Affairs chief under the Royal Thai Armed Forces will travel to Cambodia to help prepare for the GBC meeting.
Q: Some reports say Cambodia doesn't want Indonesian observers in the disputed border area, is this true?
A: It may have been a misunderstanding. Gen Tea Banh has affirmed the Indonesian observers are needed to monitor the area, as agreed earlier.
Q: Do you plan to go to Cambodia?
A: I will go. We'll be there to talk and prepare for the meeting ahead of Gen Yutthasak's visit. We have many issues to discuss. But that shouldn't be a problem, because we're close.
Q: You've been in touch with Cambodia. How will the International Court of Justice's ruling [on the demilitarisation of the disputed border area] be implemented?
A: Cambodia said it would follow procedures and withdraw its troops from the area bound by the ruling. Gen Tea Banh said the ICJ stipulated that Cambodia must pull out its soldiers stationed at the rear of Preah Vihear temple, all the way to a military outpost at Ban Komui. The soldiers of the two countries must be kept far apart to prevent security tensions.
Q: Are police deployed in place of the soldiers?
A: Both countries have deployed their own police in the area. Cambodia says the police will be armed with handguns but not war weapons. They need firearms to deal with bandits and thieves and for self-defence.
Q: Will the Pheu Thai Party succeed in resolving the Thai-Cambodian border conflict?
A: There have been positive signs. The relations between the leaders of the two countries are cordial. During the general election, Cambodia was keeping its fingers crossed and was glad Pheu Thai won. Cambodia doesn't want to fight and we should be good neighbours.
Q: Do you think using personal connections to get jobs done means we might be letting Cambodia exploit us?
A: No. Before we agree to anything, we consider the matter carefully. No one is put at a disadvantage. We take people's concerns on board and we'll tend to those concerns. We're doing everything to forge peace and maintain relations between the two countries.
Q: It has been reported that [ousted prime minister] Thaksin Shinawatra plans to enter Cambodia.
A: I've asked the Cambodian authorities and they said that is not the case. I believe Thaksin knows what he should do and when.
Q: If and when you become the defence minister's adviser, how do you propose to tackle problems related to disputes with Cambodia?
A: With or without the position, I'm willing to help. I was distressed to see Thailand and Cambodia embroiled in problems. Gen Yutthasak asked me to assist him and I accepted. If I have a position, I'll be able to work more effectively.
2 comments:
I take from reading the article; Thailand starting to respect Cambodia then before. His comment were neutral and respectful. Both countries should join hands and study its cultures, history, traditions, etc and teach the young generation the truth history. Noone can change the past but we can change the future by educate our children the truth so that both countries children can benefit from its rich cultures. Don't be shame to let the children knows the truth. It hurt but it is the truth. Once you find the truth then you can live your life in the open without fear. My comment is not to insult any race or culture rather promoting peace and Buddha teaching.
Khmerization, I just want you to know that after I made comment on US regarding bombing; my gmail account locked out, therefore I have to make my comment with my signature at the bottom. It will not stop me from voicing my oppinion.
Warrior Blood
Thailand is now realize that Cambodia is not easy to take advantage like(Thai) used to...Cambodia is no longer weak, cambodia is growing stronger and stronger everyday...within China help boost up economy, we will be strong!!
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