Right measures used on Cambodia

14/02/2010
Bangkok Post

The government is using appropriate measures to deal with the Thai-Cambodian row and there is no need for a mediator, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Sunday.

"We're trying to prevent the Thai-Cambodian conflict from affecting people living along the border areas of both countries by using diplomatic means while avoiding other measures," Mr Abhisit said.

He said the government did not need a mediator since Thailand was not looking to confront Cambodia.

However, he said, if the situation worsened the army and all sides would need to take utmost precaution.

Asked if a meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen to end the dispute would be possible, the Thai premier said a discussion could take place if both sides had respect for each other.

On the measures to prevent violence during the anti-government rallies of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), Mr Abhisit said his administration will not resort to violence to solve the problems.

The government was ready to impose additional security laws to prevent a third party from inciting violence, he said.

"However, if there's a riot authorities will be very cautious in putting the situation under control, but I hope it would not reach that point," the prime minister said.

He said the government was now looking into the news regarding the funding for the red-shirt rallies.