[Thai] Army gears up on border [-Thailand looking for a fight with Cambodia after pulling out of the WHC?]

27/06/2011
Bangkok Post

National army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha praised Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti's decison to withdraw from the World Heritage Convention and said he has ordered soldiers along the Thai-Cambodian border to be prepared.

Gen Prayuth said on Monday the army is overseeing security, monitoring intelligence activities and observing movements along the border in order to protect the country's sovereignty.

More troops and health personnel had been sent to villages near the border area to inform residents about the situation and avert any panic.

"Don't be frightened because I believe no one wants to fight and that holding talks is the solution to the problem," Gen Prayuth said.

"After withdrawing from the WHC, we now have to wait for the decision of the International Court of Justice.

"Thai and Cambodian soldiers have been in contact on a regular basis since the last clashes along the border, but there's not a high degree of trust between them yet," the army chief said.

He said Mr Suwit made a good decision to withdraw Thailand's membership of the WHC.

The decision to withdraw from the WHC was made by Mr Suwit, who led the Thai delegation to the World Heritage Committee meeting in Paris on Saturday, June 25.

Villagers along the Thai-Cambodian border in Surin's Phanom Dong Rak district are afraid the fighting may resume following Thailand's withdrawal from the WHC.

A military source said on Monday that many had already packed clothes, food and other necessities in preparation to evacuate to a safe location at short notice if Thai and Cambodian troops clash again.

Although there has been no fighting for nearly two months, Thai soldiers are on watch for possible intrusions by Cambodian forces, the source said.

Khomphet Sirisuk, a villager of Nong Khanna Samakkhi in tambon Ta Miang of Surin's Phanom Dong Rak district, said the recent clashes had severely affected people's lives. They did not want more.

They already could not work long in their rice fields or plantations because they had been advised by soldiers to stay in their homes until at least 8am and return before 4pm.

Food and retail outlets had lost business because the Ta Muen Thom temple was still closed to tourists. Street lights were turned off at night and villagers were left in silence but sleepless, he said.

Mr Khomphet said he wanted the government to quickly end the conflict with neighbouring Cambodia.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said the cabinet will on Tuesday discuss the legal implications of Mr Suwit's announcement that Thailand was withdrawing from the WHC.

Mr Abhisit said government agencies would be instructed to study and report on the legal implications for Thailand after its withdrawal from the WHC and steps which need to be taken by the next government after the July 3 election.

The withdrawal from the WHC would have no effect on ancient sites and national parks in Thailand as they are already listed as world heritage sites.

Thailand has the right to reapply for the WHC membership at a later date, he said.

Mr Abhisit said it was necessary for Thailand to prepare for further negotiations with Cambodia and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) to protect its sovereignty and integrity.

Thailand would still adhere to the memorandum of understanding signed in 2000 in further negotiations with Cambodia, Mr Abhisit said.

Mr Abhisit admitted that the situation along the Thai-Cambodian border might become tense as a result of Thailand's withdrawal from the WHC.

The military was duty-bound to keep the situation under watch while trying to avoid any cross-border clashes and prevent border intrusions.

The government would try in every way to ensure the people along the border continue to lead a normal life, he said.

The premier there might be some problems on the border during the transition period, which was expected to be short.

Unesco director-general Irina Bokova expressed her deep regret at Mr Suwit's decision to withdraw Thailand from the WHC.

Ms Bokova said she hoped "Thailand will carefully consider its future course of action in respect of this important Convention and will continue to be an active participant in the international cooperation for the protection of the world’s outstanding heritage."