Thread: Thai and Cambodian troops clash

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/loca...ind-not-terror

Troops instil peace of mind, not terror

Soldiers are visiting villagers in Si Sa Ket to reassure them they are in safe hands

• Published: 9/02/2011 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

The army is deploying special warfare troops to carry out psychological operations to calm residents seeking refuge at camps in Kantharalak district who fear Cambodian troops are targeting the area.

A company of red beret soldiers has been sent to the border district amid rumours that Cambodian troops were planning to target the town of Kantharalak, about 30 kilometres from the border, with artillery shells.

Clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops have forced 21,720 residents from border villages into 37 makeshift camps in the town.

Residents have been panicked by rumours circulating the district that the makeshift camps would be the target of Cambodian attacks in retaliation for unconfirmed reports that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's son, Brig Gen Hun Manet, was injured during the armed clash on Sunday.

Some have left the camps to stay with relatives.

Noodaeng Saensuk, a resident of Pratai village, said she was afraid of being killed if Cambodian troops stormed the makeshift camps.

Her relatives who fled the fighting have already moved to stay with another relative in Ubon Ratchathani.

"Although I am fully fed here, I want to return home," Ms Noodaeng said.

"I want the situation to return to normal soon so I can make a living.

"In my village, I earn 200 baht a day as a hired hand.

"I have no income staying at the camp. How can my family live?" Ian Maowan, 59, said the firing of artillery shells across the border at the weekend had frightened her.

She was uncertain whether she would be saved while taking refuge at the camp.

"We were evacuated to the camp following border clashes," the 59-year-old woman said.

"We still live in fear as we don't know when Cambodian soldiers will attack the camp with artillery shells.

"We are so scared."

Thannakarn Nitisajjawat, commander of the special warfare company, said there were many rumours causing panic among residents.

"Local residents fear Cambodian troops will shell their makeshift camps," Lt Thannakarn said.

"We have to tell them that artillery rounds cannot reach the camps as mountains and forests block the line of fire.

"The camps are guarded by Thai troops and it's impossible for Cambodian troops to attack our camps."

Special warfare troops are busy creating understanding about the border situation among residents at the makeshift camps. They also use music and other activities to entertain people.

Si Sa Ket governor Somsak Suwansudjarit said His Majesty the King and Her Royal Highness Princess Sirindhorn had sent 7,000 relief bags to affected people.

The province has also prepared information on the clashes to brief foreign diplomats who plan to visit Si Sa Ket.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/loca...for-border-row

Nidhi blames 'patriotic elites' for border row

• Published: 9/02/2011 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

Tensions along the border with Cambodia triggered by blind patriotism could be avoided if true democracy was well-founded in the two countries, says prominent historian Nidhi Eoseewong.

Disputes would be kept at bay if the nation-building process in Thailand and Cambodia was people-centred and based on true democracy, he said.

The national development process would minimise nationalist sentiment, an emotion monopolised by the elite.

Disputes between the two nations usually concern border issues, Prof Nidhi yesterday told a seminar titled "Siam-Khmer: Love-hate relations" held at Thammasat University.

Sour relations are basically derived from elites in Thai and Cambodian society who think about themselves before the public interest.

"Thai and Cambodian society is dominated by patriotic elites who have exploited boundary issues for their own gains," the historian said.

Cambodian ambassador to Thailand You Ay said her country and Thailand were members of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations family. Continued conflict posed a threat to the Asean community set for realisation in 2015.

You Ay called on educators to tell the young the true history of the region to avoid misunderstandings.

Foreign Affairs Minister Kasit Piromya said there were several "good issues" that Thailand and Cambodia could work on together for mutual benefit.

"We should not let a single matter destroy the opportunity to bring prosperity to our nations," the minister said, referring to the conflict over the Preah Vihear issue.

Mr Kasit urged the leaders of the two countries to seek cooperation rather than finding differences, which could turn into hatred.

Charnvit Kasetsiri, a retired Thammasat University historian, said he hoped that Thai society would be mature enough to choose the right path in solving the unwarranted dispute with its neighbour.

"Are we going to choose entering the World Court [International Court of Justice, which ruled in 1962 that the Preah Vihear temple was on Cambodian soil] again or will we choose a reasonable and appropriate channel of peaceful negotiations with the memorandum of understanding agreed to by two sides in the year 2000?" Mr Charnvit asked.

He suggested Thailand not bother about listing Preah Vihear as a world heritage site, but work towards listing other historical sites in Thailand.

¡ÃзÃǧ¡ÒõèÒ§»ÃÐà·È

Press Conference on the Current Situation along the Thai-Cambodian Border

February 9, 2011, 12:48 am

On 7 February 2011, the Royal Thai Government held a press conference by Mr. Panitan Wattanayagorn, Deputy Secretary General to the Prime Minister and Acting Government Spokesperson, Mr. Chavanond Intarakomalyasut, Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd, Royal Thai Army Spokesperson, on the current situation along the Thai-Cambodian border at Government House. Gist as follows:

The Royal Thai Army Spokesperson, recounting what had transpired in the border areas, stated that on 4 February 2011, Cambodian troops opened fire on two Thai military posts at Phu Ma Khua and Pha Mor I Dang, and a Thai village in Si Sa Ket Province of Thailand along the Thai-Cambodian border. Thai troops responded with gun fire in self-defence. Then, on 5 February 2011, gunfights broke out briefly again as Cambodia resumed their hostility by firing at Thai troops. Later that morning, once the clashes had subsided, military commanders from both sides met and agreed to a ceasefire and not to reinforce their troops along the border. Thailand’s good intention was clearly evident as the Commanding General of the 2nd Army Region of the Thai side authorized that same afternoon the opening of three border passes in the area. However, Cambodia broke the ceasefire agreement when fresh clashes erupted on the evening of 6 February as, once again, Cambodian troops fired on Thai troops. The clashes over the past three days resulted in the death of one civilian and one Thai military personnel and injured 12 civilians and 13 Thai military personnel. They also caused severe damage to Thai civilian properties and led to the evacuation of over six thousand Thai civilians residing along the border area.

Colonel Sansern stressed that the Thai side did not start the fighting. Thai troops had acted with utmost restraint. Nevertheless, Thailand had no choice but to exercise its inherent right to self-defence in response to Cambodia’s aggression. Thailand’s military action was aimed at protecting Thai sovereignty. Thailand’s response was both measured and proportionate to the threat and targeted only military objectives.

Mr. Chavanond, Secretary to the Foreign Minister, stated that on 5 February 2011, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya met with a group of foreign ambassadors and diplomatic representatives to Thailand from 16 countries to brief the latter on the recent border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia. During the said briefing, the Minister reaffirmed that Thai troops responded only in self-defence, and that in doing so, the Thai troops had exercised maximum restraint and used force only as necessary, in a manner proportionate to the threat against them, with fire being directed only at military targets from where the attacks were launched by Cambodian troops. The Foreign Minister had also contacted his Cambodian counterparts and both agreed to convene a meeting of the Thai-Cambodia Joint Commission on Demarcation for Land Boundary (JBC) by the last week of February 2011.

The Secretary to the Foreign Minister further noted that Mr. Marty M. Natalegawa, Indonesian Foreign Minister, in his capacity as the current Chair of ASEAN, had expressed concerns regarding the situation and was scheduled to visit Thailand on 8 February 2011 to receive information on the matter – not to “mediate” – after visiting Cambodia. In addition, the Foreign Minister had sent a note dated 5 February 2011 to the President of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to inform all UNSC member countries about the situation and Thailand’s position, reaffirming Thailand’s commitment to the UN Charter and to resolving the situation through peaceful means. He also sent a note to the Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), pointing out to the latter that the inscription of the Temple of Phra Viharn on the World Heritage List had led to tension between the two countries, which was against UNESCO’s principle to promote culture and peace in the area. As such, any activity in relation to the inscription of the Temple of Phra Viharn should be avoided and bilateral negotiation on the matter between Thailand and Cambodia should be allowed to continue before proceeding further with the World Heritage issue.

Mr. Chavanond said that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva would also send another note to the UNSC President on 7 February 2011 to underscore the fact that even though both countries had agreed to cease fire on 5 February 2011, Thailand was once again attacked by Cambodian troops on 6 February 2011. He further observed that with the fighting still ongoing, letters from the Foreign Minister and Prime Minister of Cambodia were successively released shortly after the Cambodian attacks were launched, which could indicate the pre-mediated and well-planned nature of these attacks to create a situation which would serve Cambodia’s political objective of internationalizing the issue. Thailand, on the other hand, maintained that the incident between Thailand and Cambodia is essentially a bilateral issue and should be resolved bilaterally.

On this part, the Acting Government Spokesperson expressed the Royal Thai Government’s sympathy for those who had lost their lives and their families, as well as for those who were injured or affected, especially the civilians living along the border. The Government was confident in the Royal Thai Army’s ability to handle the border situation and that they had the Government’s full support. The Royal Thai Government would do its utmost to safeguard Thailand’s sovereignty and protect its people.

Noting Cambodia’s attempt to involve other countries in the Thai-Cambodian border dispute, Dr. Panitan stated that the Royal Thai Government appreciated concerns by friendly countries and international organizations on the matter. Be that as it may, he reaffirmed that existing bilateral mechanisms, including the Joint Commission on the Bilateral Cooperation between Thailand and Cambodia (JC) and the JBC, remain appropriate channels to resolve the dispute.

The Acting Government Spokesperson emphasized that the Royal Thai Government has been fully transparent about what has transpired and would provide the Thai public as well as the international community with accurate information. He noted that Thailand’s openness and active participation in various international fora have helped the country gain the trust and confidence of the international community, and while Thailand is willing to cooperate with the international community, Thailand and Cambodia – with their overall bilateral relations continuing to move forward – should be allowed to resolve outstanding issues bilaterally and they are in the position to do so. The relevant Thai authorities have been coordinating closely with one another and engaged in discussion with their Cambodian counterparts at all levels. He noted that the recent clashes had provided a lesson that both sides must find a solution together.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home...-30148269.html

Top military leaders inspecting border

Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan and Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha on Wednesday flew to Si Sa Ket to visit troops and get a briefing on border situation at Kataralak district.

Kataralak was bombarded by Cambodian artillery on Friday.

During the inspection trip, Prawit and Prayuth have scheduled to attend the funeral of two soldiers killed in the border skirmishes.

The Nation

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/loca...at-border-area

More tanks sent to border area

• Published: 9/02/2011 at 09:39 AM
• Online news:

At least 10 more tanks from Bangkok and Saraburi were deployed to the border area in Kantharaluck district of Si Sa Ket province on Wednesday morning, reports said.

Col Chinnakart Rattanajitti said the tanks are for the planned annual military exercise.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2011...-30148280.html

UN to meet on Feb 14 on Thai-Cambodian border disputes - reports



UN Security Council has agreed to meet on Feb 14 to solve the border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, Inter City Press reported.

The council reached the conclusion on late Tuesday, the Press; a non-governmental organization said.

To make clear that the UN is deferring to the regional group, Indonesia, as chair of this year's Asean, will be invited to the meeting. The country will be represented by Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa.

The meeting seemed to respond to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's request for the UN to intervene in the dispute while Thai PM Abhisit Vejjajiva insisted that the dispute should be solved on bilateral basis.

Meanwhile Secretary General Ban Ki-moon told the Press on Tuesday that he had spoken with the prime ministers of Thailand and Cambodia. Some wonder why Ban isn't mediating, or even asked to mediate, under UN Charter Article 99.

In Bangkok, Chavanond Indharakomalsut, secretary to the foreign minister that FM Kasit Piromya is scheduled to travel to the UN to explain the Thai positions to the UN chief next week.

One of the positions is that Thailand wanted the problems be solved bilaterally and did not want to see a third party step in.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingn...odian-soldiers

Kasit criticises Cambodian soldiers

• Published: 9/02/2011 at 11:48 AM
• Online news: Local News

Clashes between Thai and Cambodian soldiers since Friday (Feb 4) demonstrated the force of the Thai army, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said.

"The fighting showed that Thai soldiers fired at Cambodia's military zones while Cambodian soldiers fired at our villages.

"Moreover, there were Cambodian soldiers at Preah Vihear temple when the two countries already agreed that they will not deploy their troops to the temple," Mr Kasit said in a television interview on Tuesday night.

Cambodia must explain these two issues to the global community, he said.

Mr Kasit said he had asked for a bilateral meeting with Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong.

"If he [Mr Namhong] wanted the United Nations to intervene in the border row, the Thai government is ready to clarify the situation.

"At least, the Thai government has never used the media to incite hatred," said the minister.

Cabinet ministers had been visiting areas affected by the border clashes to take care of the villagers, he added.

QUOTE="StrontiumDog"]"At least, the Thai government has never used the media to incite hatred," said the minister.[/QUOTE]

.....

He's a funny fella that Kasit...

Anyway, he's off to New York this Monday to do some more talking...

Kasit leaving for NY Monday

09/02/2011 : Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya will fly to New York on Monday, Feb 14, for a meeting with Hor Namhong, the Cambodian foreign minister, and Marty Natalegawa, the Indonesean foreign minister and chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), Chavanont Intarakomalyasut said on Wednesday.

following is from the blogworld ................

Manager, a newspaper here in Thailand, just reported that the Thai government, through the Interior Ministry, has just handed out 1,000 shot-guns and bullets to Thai villagers at the border town near the place where Thai and Cambodian troops clashed.

It is now un-clear as to their status as civilians or para-military forces.

“The weapons are for their defenses,” said the Thai Interior Ministry official who handed out the shot-guns.

The arming of villagers is yet another clear indicator of the “Escalation” of the conflict.

It is also un-clear if the villagers have the capability to fight against Cambodian soldiers.

It is also un-clear now of the status of the villages, where the villagers will be protecting, are now civilians targets or legitimate military targets.

https://thaiintelligentnews.wordpres...t-border-town/

^
Channel News Asia has just shown a report of Thai tanks (estimated 20) being brought into a border ranger base in the area. Their reporter quoted the Thai military as saying the move was a routine rotation of forces......

Originally Posted by SteveCM

^
Channel News Asia has just shown a report of Thai tanks (estimated 20) being brought into a border ranger base in the area. Their reporter quoted the Thai military as saying the move was a routine rotation of forces......

Indeed, the news article about this was posted earlier in the thread, on the previous page I believe.

Just routine....!

S'pore urges Thailand, Cambodia to bear in mind ASEAN's reputation
S Ramesh
09 February 2011


Cambodian soldiers stand in formation at the Preah Vhear temple

SINGAPORE: Singapore's Foreign Ministry said it is encouraged by the recent visits made by Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa to Bangkok and Phnom Penh aimed at facilitating bilateral negotiations between Thailand and Cambodia.

The ministry said it supports the ASEAN Chair's continued engagement to help bring about a peaceful resolution to the border dispute.

Singapore has also urged all relevant parties to act with restraint and bear in mind the interest and reputation of ASEAN.

channelnewsasia.com

Originally Posted by Mid

reputation of ASEAN.

A simple google search on the above is less than encouraging .

'Toothless Tiger' appears often

Originally Posted by Mid

Originally Posted by Mid

reputation of ASEAN.

A simple google search on the above is less than encouraging .

'Toothless Tiger' appears often

I'd say that was rather kind....

Especially after those news articles you posted about ASEAN wanting to lift sanctions on Burma...

If Noppadon’s deal was so good, why did he and Samak not take it to Parliament and get approval as constitutionally required? Why have the records of the cabinet meeting that illegally approved it disappeared? The joint communiqué was in a fact a treaty that impacted Thai borders and therefore required Parliamentary approval.

Probably answered better by Noppadon himself:

“The following is an interview by local journalists in Siam with Mr. Noppadon Pattama, after he had published a book about the time when he was the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and was in charge of the dispute with Cambodia:

“Question: Why did the Preah Vihear Temple become a point that politicians attacked you?

“Noppadon: I took office in February 2008, but the UNESCO [World Heritage Committee] made its decision over the Preah Vihear Temple only in July 2008. At that time, we had only five months left to protest. I know that Siamese people from all levels would worry about a loss.

“In fact I took over this work from previous minister who has not finished the problem, because Cambodia sent a request to the UNESCO, including a 4.6 square/km disputed region. The government of Mr. Surayud Chulanont [สุรยุทธ์ จุลานนท์ - prime minister from 1 October 2006 to 29 January 2008, after the ouster of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra] always opposed to move [in 2007], until Cambodia agreed to postpone, but [Cambodia] put pressure on Siam to agree with a new request next year. What was more important was that UNESCO found that the Preah Vihear Temple was really marvelous and well qualified to be listed, and the UNESCO World Heritage Committee just waited for an agreement between Cambodia and Thailand on some points.

“I used the negotiations in Koh Kong and in Paris [22 May 2008], until Cambodia agreed to withdraw [the claim for the 4.6 square km disputed region], and cut out the disputed region [see the Joint Communique of 18 June 2008, which says: “...the Kingdom of Cambodia accepts that the Temple of Preah Vihear be nominated for inscription on the World Heritage List without at this stage a buffer zone on the northern and western areas of the Temple”]. It was a significant success, but people accused me of selling the nation; it is not true at all. Previously, even Major-General Denmichoak [? - phonetic], the head of the Military Map Department, who just passed away, said that there was no invasion into Thai territory [sanctioned by the Joint Communique], and he claimed this, based on the border line in Map L7071.

“Question: Did Cambodia agree to exclude the disputed region because of pressure or because we negotiated?

“Noppadon: First, it was because we negotiated while Cambodia disagreed, because the Preah Vihear Temple waited to be listed on the World Heritage Site list. Moreover, Cambodia had issued currency with images of the Preah Vihear Temple. One year before [in 2007], Cambodia missed the chance once, so before the elections [27 July 2008], the Cambodian government urgently wanted to have the temple listed; therefore, when we opposed to include the disputed region, Cambodia was concerned that it could not get it listed in time, and they agreed to exclude the disputed region.

“Question: What was negotiated in Koh Kong?

“Noppadon: On that day, I flew in a helicopter to Koh Kong to inaugurate the Siamese-Cambodian Friendship Road, and I took the opportunity to talk to Deputy Prime Minister Sok An. Mr. Sok An disagreed with me immediately, ‘Mr. Noppadon Pattama, that area is not in the buffer zone, because the International Court had decided [in 1962] that the area belongs to Cambodia.’ I explained to Mr. Sok An that the International Court only decided that the Preah Vihear Temple belongs to Cambodia, but did not decide on the territory. We argued with each other, and at that time, I suggested whether it was possible or not to include the Preah Vihear Temple only. Then, Mr. Sok An took it for a discussions with the leaders of the Cambodian government. At that moment, I felt that Cambodia simply agreed, because there were only two months left before the elections, and they were unsure whether it could be listed or not.

“After that, we agreed that there was need for a trustworthy document to assure to list the temple only. Cambodia withdrew the old maps they had sent, and replaced them with a new one. At last, we met in Paris [on 22 May 2008] and finally agreed at 11:30 p.m. I looked at the new map and signed it, saying that it was usable, if it would be adopted by the cabinet, but the president of the opposition party, Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva [อภิสิทธิ์ เวชชาชีวะ]​​, accused me later of secretly signing something with Cambodia.

“Afterwards, I brought it back and reported it during a meeting of the parliament on 26 May 2008. Can I carry the problem of the whole nation alone? Officials must understand this. I took this problem to the Council for National Security, where General Winai Phatthiyakul, who was National Security Council secretary-general at that time, praised me very much. General Anupong Paochinda [อนุพงษ์ เผ่าจินดา], the army commander-in-chief, told me that it was good to have made these achievements through the negotiations, because it was a long lasting problem.

“Finally, I was told to be guilty. I thought that I became a political hostage, because of a small number of demonstrators who use the law of the jungle, and because of some politicians in Thailand.

“They see the Preah Vihear Temple as a delicious bait to destroy our government, because through territorial and ethnic problems, they can agitate the citizens easily.

Originally Posted by Troy

If Noppadon’s deal was so good, why did he and Samak not take it to Parliament and get approval as constitutionally required? Why have the records of the cabinet meeting that illegally approved it disappeared? The joint communiqué was in a fact a treaty that impacted Thai borders and therefore required Parliamentary approval.

Probably answered better by Noppadon himself:

...

Please show me in that interview where he says why he did not take a document that was delineating a Thai-Cambodia border to Parliament for approval?

I happen to agree that joint communiqué would have gone a long way to solving the issue, but a Foreign Minister, from any country, is just not allowed to arbitrarily sign a document that shows the location of a disputed border.

The PPP held the majority of Parliament at the time. Why did they not take it to Parliament for approval as required in every constitution that Thailand has ever had.

Why have the minutes of the cabinet meeting that approved it disappeared?

You did leave out this part of the interview:
Question: Is Noppadon’s success related to the former prime minister, Mr. Thaksin, or not?

“Noppadon: There is no involvement at all. Mr. Thaksin did not call Samdech Dekchor Hun Sen by phone. I used to be Mr. Thaksin’s advisor, and Samdech Dekchor Hun Sen and Deputy Prime Minister [Sok An] knew it, but I never asked Mr. Thaksin to call and give advise. Cambodian leaders know this and Cambodia and Siam are neighboring countries.

Who else was in Koh Kong when Noppadon talked to the Cambodians? When did a certain casino to be located there get announced?
TH

Firstly my apologies for not providing a link...oversight on my part that was corrected by Mid (thank-you).

I looked at the new map and signed it, saying that it was usable, if it would be adopted by the cabinet, but the president of the opposition party, Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva [อภิสิทธิ์ เวชชาชีวะ]​​, accused me later of secretly signing something with Cambodia.

It was not a Treaty, as you suggest, but an agreement subject to Government approval.

As for the "Casino" angle....even the PAD admit that they had no proof of this...although it didn't stop them trying to link it in people's minds.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingn...on-t-be-closed

Border checkpoints 'shouldn't close'

• Published: 9/02/2011 at 01:50 PM
• Online news:

The Ministry of Finance has ordered the Customs Department to try to keep its checkpoints along the Thai-Cambodian border open to trade, Deputy Finance Minister Pradit Phataraprasit said on Wednesday.

“I have ordered customs officials to do their best not to close the border checkpoints, despite the recent clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops, because it could hurt border trade,” said Mr Pradit.

Director-general of customs Prasong Poontaneat said his department was ready to close the border if ordered by security units.

Deputy Prime Minister for security affairs Suthep Thaugsuban said on Wednesday that it was not necessary to reduce the level of ties between Thailand and Cambodia at this time.

Any such a move would hurt people living along the border, particularly those involved in border trade. The border conflict was not caused by the residents in the border area.

He said Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will not make a direct call to Cambodian premier Hun Sen at this time . He will allow the appropriate state offices to do their job.

“It would be a loss of dignity for the country if the prime minister contacts Hun Sen first," Mr Suthep said.

"Also, Cambodia might use it to claim that Thailand has surrendered,” said Mr Suthep.

Asked about Cambodia’s claim that the Preah Vihear temple has been damaged by the border fighting and Unesco would send its team to inspect the ancient temple, Mr Suthep said it would be good if the international agency helps establish the facts.

The deputy premier confirmed he had received a report that Cambodian troops had used Preah Vihear temple as a base to attack Thailand.

He was not concerned about the People’s Alliance for Democracy’s plan to go to Si Sa Ket’s Kantharalak district, because the border district is now under the martial law.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingn...settle-dispute

PM advised, step in to settle dispute

• Published: 9/02/2011 at 03:00 PM
• Online news:

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva should step in to settle the Thai-Cambodian border conflict by himself, Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, former deputy leader of the dissolved Thai Rak Thai Party, said on Wednesday.

Khunying Sudarat said in the past, most border clashes occurred because of the conflict between Thai and Cambodian soldiers.

“But the recent clashes were caused by the bad relations between prime ministers and foreign ministers of the two countries. Sending the commander of Army Region 2 to hold talks with Cambodian troop’s commander was not the right solution.

“Mr Abhisit should show his responsibility and leadership by directly discuss the issue with Prime Minister Hun Sen. Border conflict arose from politics and it must be settled by political mean, not sending soldiers to be killed. War is not the solution to the problem,” she said.

Responding to Mr Abhisit’s remark that he would call election in the first half of the year, Khunying Sudarat said if she were a cabinet member, she would want the lower House be dissolved as soon as possible.

It is useless for the premier to further stay in power as the government could not resolve any problem. Consumer goods have become much more expensive and the problem of social division is escalating, she said.

The past governments had changed the country from war zone to trading zone, but the Democrat-led administration has changed it back to war zone again. Moreover, it has also change the country to children’s playground, she added.

“It would be better for the government to call fresh general election and propose to general public its sumptuous policies using beautiful words for election campaign, in order to win at the polls and return to power again,” Khunying Sudarat sarcastically said.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/loca...-asean-mediate

Joint committee: Let Asean mediate

• Published: 9/02/2011 at 02:44 PM
• Online news:

The Joint Committee for Khmer-Thai People Relationship Building (KTPR) has called on the governments of Thailand and Cambodia to let the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) mediate their continuing border conflict, committee representative Chalida Tacharoensak said on Wednesday.

"We want Asean to help solve the border issue because we want the border war to end.

"Villagers from the two countries have been affected and want soldiers from both sides to stop exchanging fire so they can return to their normal lives," Mrs Chalida said after submitting the group's letter to Puea Thai MP Torpong Chaiyasarn, chairman of the House committee on foreign affairs, on Wednesday.

Mrs Chalida said the temporary shelters were taking good care of the displaced villagers but they were still worried about their belongings and animals they left behind.

The Thai and Cambodian governments must settle the Preah Vihear temple issue, she said.

A KTPR representative from Cambodia said through an interpreter that to solve the Thai-Cambodian row, one must consider the Buddhist doctrine: one must depend on oneself - similar to 'God helps those who help themselves'.

He urged politicians, diplomats and historians to use the principles of justice to address the problem.

The KTPR is a private organisation. It describes itself as "a joint effort between Cambodian and Thai people who care about a sustainable relationship between the two nations of Cambodia and Thailand".

Panitan: UN not to send troops to disputed border : National News Bureau of Thailand

Panitan: UN not to send troops to disputed border


BANGKOK, 9 February 2011 (NNT) – The United Nations (UN) will not send in its forces to the disputed border between Thailand and Cambodia to control the ongoing tension as earlier requested by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

According to Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister Dr Panitan Wattanayagorn, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya confirmed with the Cabinet during the weekly meeting that the UN will not send it troops but has suggested both sides to solve the conflict bilaterally first.

Dr Panitan, also the acting government spokesperson, added that Mr Kasit stressed with the Cabinet that Thailand has adequate evidence for the UN Security Council (UNSC), including television news footages showing that Cambodia opened fire first.

The deputy secretary-general further stated that Mr Kasit will make visits and explain with all UNSC member countries with tendency to side with Cambodia regarding the Thai-Cambodian border clashes.

Regarding assistance to affected villagers and soldiers, Dr Panitan responded that Prime Minister’s Office Minister Ong-art Klampaiboon, Social Development and Human Security Issara Somchai and Deputy Interior Minister Thaworn Senneam have already visited the border area to hand out help.

The spokesperson noted that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has also expressed his intention to visit the border province of Si Sa Ket as well, but he is now working on his schedule for an appropriate time.