[Thailand's] Yutthasak: Observers are needed

Published: 22/08/2011
Bangkok Post

Indonesian observers would be needed in the newly defined demilitarised zone surrounding Preah Vihear temple to comply with the ceasefire ordered by the International Court of Justice, Defence Minister Gen Yutthasak Sasiprapa (pictured) was quoted as saying on Monday.

It was earlier believed the deployment of the Asean observers in the area was not mandated by the court decision, Gen Yutthasak said.

Gen Yutthasak said on Saturday that Cambodian Defence Minister Gen Tea Banh had told him that if Phnom Penh and Bangkok could reach an agreement in bilateral talks on the withdrawal of troops by both sides, then Indonesian observers would not be needed to monitor a ceasefire.

However, on the same day the Cambodian Ministry of Defence issued a statement in the evening rejecting the Thai media report.

Gen Yutthasak said on Monday his recent recent field trip to the border area also confirmed that the Indonesia observers were crucial for monitoring the troop withdrawal, the report said.

He also said that Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra had no firm plans yet for making a visit to Cambodia and meeting Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

She might visit Cambodia after the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting expected to be held soon in Phnom Penh, the defence minister said.