hai PM dismisses claim by PM Hun Sen that Thailand has invaded Cambodian territory

BANGKOK, Feb 7 (TNA) — Dismissing claims by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen who told foreign media that Thailand has invaded Cambodian territory, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Sunday that he would explain to the world community that the disputed area at the 11th century Preah Vihear temple belongs to Thailand.

The International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that the temple belongs to Cambodia, but Thailand holds that the 1.8 square mile (4.6 sq km) tract of scrub near the temple belongs to Thailand. Border demarcation of the area remains unresolved and sporadic clashes have followed between
soldiers of the two countries since then.

Mr Abhisit said that Thailand will explain to UNESCO World Heritage committee members who are to meet mid-year to consider Cambodia’s application to list Preah Vihear temple as a World Heritage site that the area surrounding it belongs to Thailand.

Accompanied by his wife, Mr Hun Sen visited the disputed Preah Vihear temple on Saturday.

Dressed in camouflage fatigues, the Cambodian premier and his wife met  Thai military officers and men guarding the area and plan to visit Ta Muen Thom ruins which lie in Thailand’s northeastern border province of Surin on Monday.

Insisting that Thai troops will not be withdrawn from the Ta Muen Thom ruins, Prime Minister Abhisit said Sunday that Thai officials would extend a hospitable welcome to the Cambodian government leader on his arrival there.

Despite concerns over Mr Hun Sen’s visit to the disputed border area, many Cambodians on Sunday crossed at the border checkpoint in Thailand’s Si Sa Ket province.

They bought large amounts of essential goods from the market which is open every Sunday. (TNA)