Thailand Will Not Withdraw Troops Before Negotiation With Cambodia

BANGKOK, July 19 (Bernama) -- Thai caretaker Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva called a meeting with relevant agencies on Tuesday, to discuss the World Court's ruling related to the Preah Vihear Temple along the Thai-Cambodian border and its impacts on Thailand.

Representatives of the concerned agencies attending the meeting included those from the Royal Thai Armed Forces, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Security Council (NSC), the Council of State and the Secretariat of the Thai Cabinet.

After the meeting, Abhisit told reporters that he has assigned the Thai Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence to coordinate with the Cambodian side to comply with the World Court's ruling.

However, he added that the Thai troops, in the meantime, will remain in an unsettled border area surrounding the Preah Vihear Temple, according to Thai News Agency on Tuesday.

Speaking separately on the issue, Yingluck Shinawatara, list MP-elect of the Pheu Thai Party and would-be prime minister, said she was ready to support the protection of the Thai sovereignty, saying that her government would study the ICJ's ruling and improve relations with Cambodia to promote mutual economic growth.

In another sentimental remark, a Thai activist in Kantharalak district, Kittisak Phonphai, bluntly objected the World Court's demilitarized zone, saying it was part of Thai territory, and Thailand should not have to follow the court's ruling.

He also urged the Thai government to expel Cambodian people and soldiers from the area.

The latest reports showed however, people living near the Thai-Cambodian border and the Preah Vihear temple had already voiced fears over a possible return of tensions.

Colonel Prawit Hukaeo, spokesman of Thailan's 2nd Army Area Command, assured the public however, normalcy had remained.

He noted the army would wait for a discussion between Thai and Cambodian governments for a relevant order afterward.

On July 18, the Hague-based International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that both Thai and Cambodian troops be withdrawn from a 4.6-kilometre contentious area surrounding the Preah Vihear Temple along the common border.

-- BERNAMA