Gen Prawit: Troop withdrawal first

9 May, 2011
Source: Bangkok Post

Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon has supported Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's demand that Cambodia withdraw its troops from the 4.6 square kilometre disputed area around Preah Vihear before Indonesia sends its observers there.

"The prime minister has spoken clearly about this and the armed forces are of the same opinion," Gen Prawit said on Monday.

"Cambodian soldiers must withdraw from the disputed area before any other steps can be taken."

Gen Prawit said that there should be a meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) first, to explore ways of enabling Thai and Cambodian troops to both stay in place before an agreed terms of reference is signed to allowed the Indonesian observers into the disputed area.

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya and his Cambodian counterpart Hor Namhong were today due to meet in Jakarta to try and find a way out after the two sides remained deadlocked because Cambodia insisted in not withdrawing the troops from the disputed area, which it terms its "own territory", as demanded by Thailand.

Gen Prawit said he hoped the two sides could finally reach a common ground.

A Defence Ministry source said Gen Prawit will attend the Asean Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) in Indonesia on May 18-21.

He is expected to discuss with Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Banh preparations for the 8th GBC meeting, even though Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen wants Thailand to allow Indonesian observers into the disputed area before proceeding with bilateral meetings, said the source.