Peaceful solution needed, says Somchai

Written by Writer on Friday, October 31st, 2008

Peaceful solution needed, says Somchai

The government wants to settle border disputes with Cambodia peacefully, Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat stressed yesterday. Defence Ministry spokesman Peerapong Manakit said the prime minister, also the defence minister, told the Defence Council that Thai troops will not provoke any confrontation with Cambodian troops in disputed border areas.

However, nor will they allow Cambodian troops to infringe on the country’s sovereignty.

”If Thai soldiers are attacked, we would retaliate at the same level or as necessary,” Lt-Gen Peerapong quoted the prime minister as saying.

Mr Somchai also encouraged soldiers in disputed border areas to be tolerant, as Thailand and Cambodia cannot give up on being neighbours.

Residents of both countries along the border could continue cross-border trade activities as usual, said the spokesman.

Lt-Gen Peerapong said Mr Somchai has asked the Foreign Ministry to hold talks with Cambodia and use diplomatic channels to prevent confrontations between the two sides.

A border skirmish erupted on Oct 15 near the World Heritage-listed Preah Vihear temple in which two Cambodian soldiers were killed and five Thai troops injured. Thai and Cambodian representatives met on Oct 23 in Siem Reap to discuss the clash. The Thai ambassador had told Cambodia of the government’s desire to use peaceful means to ease border hostility, said Lt-Gen Peerapong.

Bangkok Post
Friday October 31, 2008