[Thai] Govt will make no sneaky pacts over Preah Vihear, Yingluck assures Parliament

Bangkok (The Nation/ ANN) -- The government will present a framework on Preah Vihear negotiations for parliamentary deliberation as per law, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said yesterday.

Speaking at the general debate in Parliament, she pledged that her government would not abuse its power and act sneaky in making an agreement with Cambodia. She also insisted that there was no conflict of interest or personal interest in dealing with Cambodia.

Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul also tried to allay concerns that the government would bypass the legislature when conducting bilateral talks with Cambodia once the amended Article 190 is enacted.

Article 190 of the Constitution requires parliamentary approval before the government can make international agreements, however, it was amended earlier this month allowing the government to make pacts with other countries more freely.

The Group of 40 Senators had earlier demanded that the government seek legislative scrutiny of the framework and not just keep lawmakers informed of the issue.

Senator Rosana Tositrakul also voiced suspicion about what she considers an unclear judgement by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). She added that the judgement appeared to pave the way for Cambodia to list the temple as a World Heritage Site without Thailand's consent.

Senator Tuang Antachai reminded the government that it was only obliged to comply with Article 190 as long as the amended version has not gone into effect.

The Law Society of Thailand, meanwhile, issued a statement demanding that the Foreign Ministry release detailed copies of the ICJ judgement, which was issued in both Thai and French. The society said the public was confused on two issues - whether Thailand would have to concede additional territory and if it has lost the case.

LST chairman Det-udom Krairit said he believed that the ICJ had ruled that Thailand hand over additional area, though the exact extent of the territory would hinge on the outcome of negotiations with Cambodia.

He called on the government to review its amendment of Article 190 and ensure the legislature is involved in the Preah Vihear negotiations so as to avoid ending up in a disadvantageous position.

The Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand (STR) yesterday demanded that the government kill the amendment of Article 190.

"No matter what, [Yingluck] must immediately stop the process of submitting the amended version of Article 190 for royal endorsement and withdraw it just like the amnesty bill. [The government] should also expedite moves to help Veera Somkwamkid to return to Thailand as promised. He has served a third of the jail term as per the extradition agreement. [He should be able to return to Thailand] before the year-end," the group said in a statement. - See more at: http://www.thecambodiaherald.com/cambodia/detail/1?page=11&token=MjgwOTVkOWQxNTc#sthash.4eja1oAN.dpuf