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Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Bangkok Post

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban plans to meet Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen to discuss the Thai-Cambodian border row after reports Mr Hun Sen has ordered his troops to shoot any trespassers in the disputed border area near Preah Vihear temple.

On Sept 19, yellow-shirt People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters rallied near the ancient temple, demanding the Cambodian government remove its people from the disputed border area.

"I believe Prime Minister Hun Sen could misunderstand the situation and I am ready to talk with him," Mr Suthep, who is charged of security affairs, said on Tuesday.

Mr Suthep said he did not know the Cambodian premier announced that he will not attend the Asean summit, scheduled for next month in Thailand and will not talk with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

"I believe this has nothing to do with former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and I have ordered the Second Region Army commander to keep a close watch on the border area and to prevent clashes between both sides," Mr Suthep said.

The border situation near Preah Vihear temple was still normal, he said.

"The Thai army is also ready to counter if armed Cambodian troops enter Thai territory," Second Army Region commander Lt Gen Wiboonsak Neephan said.

However, the two sides had been trying to negotiate and work together continuously to ease the tension.

PM's deputy secretary-general Panithan Wattanayakorn said the government hoped Cambodia will stick to peaceful means to resolve the border row.