PM to visit Cambodia, seeks end to row

TANIDA TANSUBHAPOL

The disputes over Ta Muen Tom and Ta Kwai ( Ta Krabey) temples will be high on the agenda of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat when he visits Cambodia on Oct 13.

Foreign Minister Sompong Amornvivat said a Cambodian foreign affairs official had told foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) that ''Thailand is occupying these two areas''.

Cambodia wanted to discuss the issue during the visit to Phnom Penh by the prime minister, he added.

Thailand is confident the two temples are in Phanom Dong Rak district in Surin. Ta Kwai temple is called Ta Krabey by Cambodians.

Mr Sompong reaffirmed the next Joint Boundary Commission meeting would be held after Parliament gives it the go-ahead. The Foreign Ministry wants Parliament's approval for the meeting to avoid any violation of the constitution.

Asean foreign ministers were satisfied Thailand and Cambodia would be able to handle the problems through the bilateral talks, he said.

UN Secretary-General Bun Ki Moon agreed it was unnecessary for the two countries to bring the issues to the UN Security Council, Mr Sompong said.

Asean ministers held talks on Monday in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.