I am no traitor: Noppadon

Fri, October 31, 2008
The Nation

"Bilateral negotiations to resolve the border dispute with Cambodia are the best option available as other means, such as multilateral talks, international mediation, the United Nations involvement and the litigation in the International Court of Justice, will likely be a disadvantage to the Thai side" - Noppadon Pattama

Former Foreign minister Noppadon Pattama Friday released his book "I am no traitor" to defend his record relating to the Preah Vihear Temple controversy.

Noppadon resigned his office in July in the wake of a censure debate on his involvement in the Cambodian push to include the ancient temple on the World Heritage List, seen by the opposition as having repercussions on the Thai territorial integrity.

"Facts in my book will show that I am a political victim," Noppadon said.

He said opponents of Thaksin Shinawatra tried to fault him as part of their smear campaign against the ousted leader.

He denied that the joint communique he signed had put Thailand at risk for losing 4.6 square kilometers.

Bilateral negotiations to resolve the border dispute with Cambodia are the best option available as other means, such as multilateral talks, international mediation, the United Nations involvement and the litigation in the International Court of Justice, will likely be a disadvantage to the Thai side, he said.

Banned Thai Rak Thai Party executive Chaturon Chaisang said Noppadon was swept out of office by the frenzy of ultra-nationalism although he was not at fault.