PM: Border row can be settled

19/08/2010
Bangkok Post

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has again expressed confidence that the border dispute with Cambodia can be settled through diplomatic channels.

"If we handle the negotiations gently the situation will improve, no one will lose and the people of both countries will benefit," Mr Abhisit said on Thursday.

He said his government can resolve the rift with the Cambodian government over the listing of Preah Vihear temple as a World Heritage site.

There were two essential in solving the border row. The Thai and Cambodian governments must each show their sincerity in solving the issue through peaceful means, and people from both countries must work together to ease the tension along the disputed frontier area.

"But Thai people need to show their unity first, because having conflict among ourselves makes the problem even more difficult to solve.

"The problem is not easy to solve, but the government will do its best," the premier said.

Negotiations between the two sides must fall within the rules and regulations of the United Nations, he added.