PM: Troops will stay in disputed area

01 Dec, 2010
Bangkok Post

Thai troops will not be withdrawn from the disputed area when Thailand and Cambodia reopen border crossings near Preah Vihear temple on Friday, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Wednesday.

"There will be no withdrawal of the soldiers while there are still villagers in the area," Mr Abhisit said.

The prime minister said, however, that there could be an adjustment of troops.

If Thai soldiers were to be withdrawn, there must be good reason for it. Cambodia must abide by the memorandum of understanding signed in 2000 on border demarcation, he said.

The Memorandum, signed during the Democrat-led administration under Chuan Leekpai, established ground rules for discussing land boundaries between the two countries. It means that neither country is allowed to use disputed territories until border demarcation is finished.

Mr Abhisit said earlier that Cambodia had violated the memorandum by moving people into a community set up inside the disputed 4.6 square kilometre area.

The prime minister said he had been informed that some Cambodian communities and markets had already moved out of the area, but their temples have not yet been relocated.

Mr Abhisit said he still believed that border conflict can be solved through talks.