BANGKOK, Jan 24 (MCOT online news) - Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Monday rejected the three demands put forward by the yellow-clad People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) regarding the Thai-Cambodian border dispute, saying that Thailand will lose territory to her neighbour if he gives in to the protesters' demands.
The prime minister stood firm on his stance as the PAD leaders threatened to prolong their protest near Government House on Tuesday if their demands are not met.
The nationalist movement leaders sought Thailand's withdrawal from the United Nations Education Scientific and Culture Organization (UNESCO)'s World Heritage Committee (WHC), revocation of the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Cambodia and pushing Cambodian people out of areas which they claim belong to Thailand back to their homeland.
Mr Abhisit dismissed all the PAD demands as impractical.
"If Thailand withdraws from the WHC, Cambodia would be able to go ahead with its own Preah Vihear management implementation without any objection, the prime minister argued. "If the 2000 MoU is revoked, the contested areas will never be demarcated."
"I reaffirm that I made such a decision for the sake of national interest and sovereignty as well as international relations," Mr Abhisit stated
The premier also noted that Thailand should be more cautious on the matter and he was ready to talk with the PAD to end the disagreement.
Regarding the PAD’s planned protest tomorrow, the prime minister said Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who oversees national security, has discussed a security plan with national police chief Wichean Potephosree.
Mr Abhisit said he would not allow a repeat of the 2008 PAD seizure of Government House.
"The protesters cannot break into Government House," said the premier. "This is unlawful as the Administrative Court earlier ruled that the exercise of the right of expression must not obstruct the work of officials."
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