Thailand to show opposition to UNESCO inspection of Preah Vihear area

BANGKOK, 16 February 2011 (NNT) – The government is taking firm steps to deal with problems surrounding the Thai-Cambodian border disputes, including the Preah Vihear Temple issue.

According to Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister and Acting Government Spokesperson Dr Panitan Wattanayagorn, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva reported the resolution of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on the Thai-Cambodian row to the cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

He cited the Prime Minister as saying that Thailand was ready to comply with the UNSC resolution calling on Thailand and Cambodia to negotiate via bilateral mechanism and agree on permanent ceasefire in order to solve the border tension.

The acting spokesperson said Prime Minister Abhisit voiced Thailand’s readiness to bridge good relationship with Cambodia and hoped that Cambodia would resume its cooperation with Thailand in various frameworks such as the Joint Boundary Commission, the General Border Committee and the Regional Border Committee.

In addition, the cabinet entrusted Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti to underline to the upcoming world heritage committee meeting in Paris, France that Thailand wants the Preah Vihear Temple registration as a world heritage site postponed.

The cabinet also assigned the Ministry of Culture to explain with special envoys from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) that Thailand does not agree with the latter’s initiative to inspect the ancient temple zone. The team is expected in Thailand shortly on a cultural information exchange program.

At the Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister’s Office Minister Ong-art Klampaiboon also reported damages made to the areas where border skirmishes took place.

Prime Minister Abhisit then tasked the Ministries of Defense and Interior with constructing more bunkers, adjusting routes to facilitate evacuations in case of new border clashes and promoting understanding with villagers in the wake of frequent rumors in the area.