Suthep says talks coming with Cambodia at 'appropriate time'

(MCOT online news)

BANGKOK, Aug 5 - Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said Thursday that Thailand is now waiting for an 'appropriate time' to hold talks with its neighbouring Cambodia over the Preah Vihear temple dispute, while urging civil groups to refrain from rallying under a state of emergency.

The Thai deputy premier made his remarks a day after Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said he was prepared to assign Mr Suthep to hold talks with Cambodia if the Khmer leadership gives a positive signal for such negotiations.

Mr Suthep said Thailand did not reserve the right to begin talks and that the kingdom is ready to live together peacefully, but the situation is still heated for both countries.

The Thai deputy premier said the talks could be held later when both sides feel more calm.

Tension between Thailand and Cambodia rose after the Thai government's delegation objected to Cambodia's unilateral management plan of the ancient temple as the two neighbours could find no common ground to settle the disputed 4.6 sq km of land adjacent to the temple which was granted world heritage status in 2008.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization -- UNESCO -- through its World Heritage Commission (WHC) consequently last week postponed its discussion of the plan until next year when it meets in Bahrain.

Following the planned rally of activist groups at Government House led by Veera Somkwamkid against the Thai government’s stance on the issue, Mr Suthep stated that the government is now working to its best ability to protect Thailand's national interest.

The deputy premier said the Cabinet has already appointed Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suwit Khunkitti to form a committee to prepare information to argue against Cambodia’s attempt to propose a temple management plan.

Mr Suthep urged the activists to hear the correct information on the dispute, while warning those who plan demonstrations at Government House that the State of Emergency is still in force in the capital and that the gathering is considered as violating the law.

He urged the activists to send their representatives to submit their complaint letter to him or to the premier and asked them to bear in mind the law and order of the country.

"Any group who plans to gather to block Government House and stay overnight there is definitely considered violating the law. Please do not come as it will cause more problems," said Mr Suthep. "I'm not challenging them, but just ask for cooperation."

Meanwhile, Mr Veera said Thursday morning that his network comprised of 52 civil groups will rally in Si Sa Ket province bordering Cambodia on Saturday, assserting the move is about the protection of national sovereignty, not politically motivated colour-clad reasoning.

Mr Veera said the government has ignored the problem, as seen from the mistake that the previous government signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cambodia in 2000.

If negotiation between Mr Suthep and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen were held, Mr Veera charged, it will be mainly for [Mr Suthep's] personal benefit rather than national interest.