Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Border conflict with Cambodia won't affect election: Thai deputy PM

BANGKOK, April 26 (Xinhua) -- The ongoing Thai-Cambodian border conflict would not disrupt the upcoming general election, Deputy Prime Minister for security affairs Suthep Thaugsuban said on Tuesday.

"Even if the border conflict continues once the government is only in an acting role (after the dissolution), there won't be any constraints or disadvantages because the acting government can perform its duty and still has the full authority to command," Bangkok post online quoted Suthep as saying.

When asked about how the border problem would be solved if Cambodia refused to negotiate, he said there will be negotiations when Cambodia is ready.

The Thai military will not invade its neighbour's territory, but at the same time the army must protect the country's sovereignty, he said.

As for the review of relations with Phom Penh which might include closure of crossing points, he said the government would not close all Thai-Cambodian border checkpoints as people living along the border in both countries would be affected.

The Democrat-led government planned to call for House dissolution by first week of May before arranging a fresh general election by the end of June or early July. The latest border fighting since April 22 has provoked speculation of election postponement.

Editor: Chen Zhi

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