Thai PM Chairs Video Conference On Thai-Cambodian Border Situation

11 Feb, 2011
Source: BERNAMA

BANGKOK, Feb 11 (Bernama) -- Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva chaired a video conference at Government House in Bangkok Friday morning to discuss with authorities concerned and to be briefed on the updated situation along the Thai-Cambodian border.

Thai News Agency (TNA) reported that the hardships of local people in Thailand's northeastern Si Sa Ket and nearby Surin Provinces who have been affected by a spate of clashes between Thai and Cambodian soldiers -- which erupted on February 4 were also highlighted.

The prime minister vowed that his government will provide full assistance and support to the affected Thai villagers in both Si Sa Ket and Surin Provinces and to Thai troops protecting the national territory and sovereignty.

The Thai premier also promised that his administration will accelerate seeking resolutions to pending border issues between Thailand and Cambodia.

Abhisit was reported to have said that in Si Sa Ket, some 12,000 border villagers were evacuated to 36 temporary shelters and about 30 houses were damaged and in Surin, some 8,000 border villagers were also evacuated to temporary shelting centres as precaution.

Authorities who attended the one-hour meeting include Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, Thai Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan and Thai Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul, as well as Si Sa Ket and Surin governors.

General Prawit acknowledged that the Thai military has not resorted to aggressive means, but it is always ready to take appropriate steps to defend the national sovereignty and territory while ensuring the safety of civilians living along the border.

Foreign Minister Kasit reiterated that his ministry will continue to seek an end of the pending border problems with Cambodia through negotiations, as Thailand has been firm on a national policy on bringing back peace to the common border.