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13/09/2009

Thailand has not lost any territory in the disputed Thai-Cambodian border area near Preah Vihear temple, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva insisted.

The premier said in his weekly broadcast programme on Sunday that the joint statement between Thailand and Cambodia on the listing of the ancient temple as a World Heritage site had been revoked by then foreign minister Tej Bunnag.

"As a result, both countries have no treaty on this issue," Mr Abhisit said.

He said the government will not do anything to make Thailand lose its sovereignty.

"The government does not want misunderstandings and conflicts to erupt as they would damage both sides. The continuing disputed border problem will be solved through peaceful means to prevent it from affecting the bilateral ties between the two countries," he said.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen also understood the situation, Mr Abhisit said.

Since there were communities, markets and roads in the disputed border area, both Thai and Cambodian people had been residing there peacefully for a long time, he said.

Tension mounted after military forces from both sides were dispatched to the area, and the situation should be restored to normal, he said.