Thailand, Cambodia to shun violence at Preah Vihear, border areas

BANGKOK, July 23 (TNA) – Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to try to avoid border clashes, foster close relations and cooperation, and would meet more often.

Representatives from the Thai and Cambodian militaries made the agreement Wednesday at the preparation meeting for the Thai-Cambodian General Border Committee (GBC).

A joint secretariat meeting co-chaired by Thai Border Affairs Department Director Lt-Gen. Nipat Thonglek and Cambodian Deputy Defence Minister Gen. Neang Phat was held in Bangkok to prepare for the forthcoming border meeting, set for September in Thailand.

At a press conference after the meeting, Gen. Nipat expressed satisfaction with the willingness of both parties to cooperate in solving outstanding problems between the two neighbours, which could lead to the development and prosperity.

Gen. Neang Phat said both parties would try to avoid further border clashes by boosting good relations between local Thai and Khmer authorities.

"Local authorities are set to meet twice a week, having a meal together," he said, adding that the military have good relations as well as local residents on both sides of the border.

Regarding troop re-deployment in the border areas, the Cambodian Deputy Defence Minister said discussions have continued, with both governmental and military officials, and that Cambodia was ready to act in accordance with agreements with Thailand.

Gen Nipat, meanwhile, said the meeting would eventually help reduce conflicts and build mutual understanding between the two countries.

Thai Defence Minister Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan and his Cambodian counterpart, Gen. Tea Banh, will head the delegates to the seventh border meeting which will cover three topics comprising 17 issues including survey and demarcation of land boundary; prevention and suppression of drug trafficking, and cooperation on border trade.

The International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that Preah Vihear temple belongs to Cambodia. Clashes have occurred frequently near the 11th-century temple after it was listed as a United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)'s World Heritage Site as both countries maintain their claims on the area adjoining the temple. (TNA)