Farmers get reprieve in Thai-Cambodian border areas [Another Thai trick]

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  Writer: Wassana Nanuam

  Position: Reporter

  Published: 18/11/2012
• Bamgkok Post

SIEM REAP : Thai and Cambodian troops have been told not to drive out people encroaching on territory in their respective countries as part of a gentler approach to resolving border disputes that are not regarded as urgent.

Defence Minister ACM Sukumpol Suwanatat and his Cambodian counterpart Tea Banh agreed to the softer approach in talks on Friday after the Asean Defence Ministers' Meeting in Siem Reap, a source said.

"We will let the villagers go on farming there," Gen Tea Banh was quoted as saying. "We won't expel them, but will leave the task with the Joint Boundary Committee" which is overseen by the foreign ministries of the two countries.

Farmers on both sides are believed to have breached border areas to illegally occupy land.

Thai farmers have encroached on an area near the 43rd territory mark near Ban Non Makmun in Sa Kaeo's Khok Sung district, while Cambodians have taken up land near the 47th territory mark in Ban Nongchan in the same district.

The problem was discussed by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Cambodian leader Hun Sen on Oct 19.

They resolved to be lenient toward the farmers and allow them to stay.

"In the future, if relations become very good, we may consider redefining the lines of demarcation in these areas," Gen Tea Banh was quoted as saying.

Gen Tea Banh is satisfied with the present situation along the border as military tensions have eased under the Yingluck government.

The two countries have set up a Joint Working Group to solve border disputes, especially the 4.6 square kilometre area around Preah Vihear temple.

The centuries-old Hindu ruins were listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2008 but the move was opposed by Bangkok, which accused Phnom Penh of acting unilaterally while border issues remained unresolved.

The Joint Working Group has followed up on recommendations made by the International Court of Justice in its 2011 ruling on the Preah Vihear dispute. The court wanted the two countries to withdraw their troops from a 17.3 sq km area that includes the temple while it considers Cambodia's request for a verdict on the disputed border area.

The group has so far agreed to finish mine clearing before setting up a demilitarised zone.

Its next talks, scheduled for Dec 17 and Dec 19 in Bangkok, will focus on progress in mine-clearing, said Cambodian deputy defence minister Nieng Pad, who leads the Cambodian delegation on the Joint Working Group.