Suwit Khunkitti against UNESCO’s visit to border

BANGKOK, 22 February 2011 (NNT) – Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti is against the planned visit of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) representatives to the Thai-Cambodian border.

Mr Suwit stated that UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova had proposed to send in UNESCO representatives to collect information about Thai-Cambodian border clashes near the Preah Vihear Temple.

The minister voiced his concerns on behalf of the Thai government about the safety of UNESCO representatives since the situation along the Thai-Cambodian border remained intense.

Mr Suwit also expressed his disagreement if UNESCO representatives would come to interfere with the border demarcation. He reasoned that the issue should remain to be solved bilaterally between Thailand and Cambodia.

The minister admitted that at present he still does not know whom UNESCO representatives will be and what will be done in the disputed border zone upon the visit. He said the Thai government would be able to make official comments on the visit only after UNESCO provided it with detailed information.