Yutthasak changes mind on Thai-Cambodian spat
Published: 23/08/2011
Writer: Wassana Nanuam and Prasit Tangprasert
Bangkok Post
Defence Minister Gen Yutthasak Sasiprapa has done a U-turn on his previous stance about the importance of Indonesian observers in monitoring the Thai-Cambodian demilitarisation of the disputed area.
He conceded yesterday that it was his misunderstanding that the Indonesian observers were not crucial, and since Cambodia had insisted the observers were needed, Thailand had come to realise they were necessary.
The Indonesian observers' roles in the demilitarisation were mentioned in the International Court of Justice's ruling but it was "at the beginning, understood that they were not crucial", Gen Yutthasak said.See also: Yutthasak rocks military boat
Bangkok Post
Defence Minister Gen Yutthasak Sasiprapa has done a U-turn on his previous stance about the importance of Indonesian observers in monitoring the Thai-Cambodian demilitarisation of the disputed area.
He conceded yesterday that it was his misunderstanding that the Indonesian observers were not crucial, and since Cambodia had insisted the observers were needed, Thailand had come to realise they were necessary.
The Indonesian observers' roles in the demilitarisation were mentioned in the International Court of Justice's ruling but it was "at the beginning, understood that they were not crucial", Gen Yutthasak said.See also: Yutthasak rocks military boat
Defence Ministry spokesman Thanatip Sawangsaeng said yesterday after the ministry's meeting preparing for the Thai-Cambodian Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting from today to Thursday, that the Thai side had agreed to allow the Indonesian observers to work in the disputed area.
The Thai side of the RBC would also propose to set up a joint committee with Cambodia to take care of the Preah Vihear temple and boost trade between the two countries, Col Thanatip said.
As for the troop adjustment, he said, Thailand would propose replacing border troops with military ranger forces.But in case Cambodia strongly objected this idea, Thailand would then propose using police forces as an alternative to the military rangers, Col Thanatip said.
In Nakhon Ratchasima where the RBC meeting will take place, Second Army spokesman Prawit Hukaeo said the main topics to be discussed at the meeting included a joint promotion of Thai-Cambodian border economy.
Representatives of the two countries will attend the RBC meeting that will be co-chaired by Thai 2nd Army commander Tawatchai Samutsakhon and Cambodia's 4th Army chief Chea Mon.
But troop adjustment has not yet been included on the meeting agenda, Col Prawit said.
The outcome of the meeting is expected to be known by tomorrow.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra had not yet set up plans to visit Cambodia and meet with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Gen Yutthasak said.
It would be most likely for her to begin the trip to Cambodia some time after the next General Border Committee (GBC) meeting. The RBC will first set a discussion framework for the GBC which will hold talks soon afterward in Phnom Penh, Gen Yutthasak said.
The Thai side of the RBC would also propose to set up a joint committee with Cambodia to take care of the Preah Vihear temple and boost trade between the two countries, Col Thanatip said.
As for the troop adjustment, he said, Thailand would propose replacing border troops with military ranger forces.But in case Cambodia strongly objected this idea, Thailand would then propose using police forces as an alternative to the military rangers, Col Thanatip said.
In Nakhon Ratchasima where the RBC meeting will take place, Second Army spokesman Prawit Hukaeo said the main topics to be discussed at the meeting included a joint promotion of Thai-Cambodian border economy.
Representatives of the two countries will attend the RBC meeting that will be co-chaired by Thai 2nd Army commander Tawatchai Samutsakhon and Cambodia's 4th Army chief Chea Mon.
But troop adjustment has not yet been included on the meeting agenda, Col Prawit said.
The outcome of the meeting is expected to be known by tomorrow.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra had not yet set up plans to visit Cambodia and meet with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Gen Yutthasak said.
It would be most likely for her to begin the trip to Cambodia some time after the next General Border Committee (GBC) meeting. The RBC will first set a discussion framework for the GBC which will hold talks soon afterward in Phnom Penh, Gen Yutthasak said.
5 comments:
To Khmer Gov't,
Tell the Thai's side, say No to joint committe with Thailand to take care of our Temple. Preah Vihear Temple belonged to Cambodia and Cambodia alone will take care of the temple. We know how to care of the temples. It's a trick and eventually they will want the temple back.
Khmers, be smart about this. All temples in Thailand belonged to the Khmers as well but we lose tehm many many years ago.
I applaude minister of defend action and willing to take a stand when he is wrong; it shown strong leadership. I think both countries will seek solution that both countries can live with and exist among each other like brother and sister God bless both country to find peace.
This is just another Thailand's tactic to win over our hearts and minds. So Thailand can negotiate with the Khmer government accordingly which is the way they wanted to be. I hope the Khmer government will be smart enough to know their(thailand) clever moves. Remember Thailand will always protect their national interest first, not ours.
Come back to the table and talks with Thailand is the big failure...
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