Govt Persistent in Joining World Heritage Conference

UPDATE : 14 July 2010
Source: Thailand Outlook

The government stands firm on its plan to participate in the UNESCO World Heritage Conference scheduled for the end of this month.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has ignored the New Politics Party’s demand to boycott the World Heritage Conference scheduled for later this month to protect Thailand's national border interests.

Abhisit said Thailand would be in a disadvantaged position if it does not join the conference, as the World Heritage Committee will receive information regarding Phrea Vihear Temple solely from Cambodia.

Cambodia is scheduled to submit its administrative and conservative plan for the overlapping area around Phrea Vihear Temple to UNESCO during the conference.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti, who will attend the upcoming World Heritage Committee meeting, notified the Cabinet that he will ask the committee to postpone its consideration of the Cambodian management plan as there has not been a resolution of the territorial disputes between the two countries regarding the area.

The Deputy Prime Minister in charge of security affairs, Suthep Thaugsuban, said of the situation at the Thai-Cambodian border that there is nothing to be worried about.

As for Cambodia’s plan to designate July 15 as 'Anger Day' against the Thai invasion of Cambodia, Suthep refused to say if the matter would develop hatred between the two nations, but said he will follow the situation.

He added that both Thai and Cambodian troops have agreed to resolve conflicts through peaceful means and to avoid using force.

Secretary-General of the New Politics Party Suriyasai Katasila has advised the government to boycott the UNESCO World Heritage Conference, or risk losing part of the country's territory to Cambodia.