PAD rally will only complicate matters: [Thai] PM

PAD clash with local Thai villagers near Preah Vihear in 2009

August 6, 2010
The Nation
PREAH VIHEAR DISPUTE

If the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) held a rally on Saturday, it would only make the Preah Vihear temple issue more complicated, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday.

"Frankly speaking, the rally could make the situation more complicated, but if they really want to hold the demonstration, it should be done in accordance with the law," he said.

PAD leader Chamlong Srimuang has called for a demonstration in front of the prime minister's office on Saturday to demand the government revoke the memorandum of understanding on boundary demarcation signed with Cambodia in 2000.

The MoU, which recognises the Siam-French demarcation map, would allow Cambodia to claim Thai territory, Chamlong said.

"As Thai citizens, we have the duty to protect our sovereignty," he said.

With Bangkok still under a state of emergency, any public gathering of more than five people is prohibited. However, Abhisit declined to say if the emergency law would be enforced to block the PAD protest.

The PAD is a government ally, but it seems to have turned against Abhisit due to a difference in opinion over Preah Vihear. The nationalist group was against the Hindu temple getting World Heritage status, and demanded the government fight it too, as well as use force to exercise Thai sovereignty in the area adjacent to the temple.

The Preah Vihear, according to a ruling by the International Court of Justice in 1962, is on territory under sovereignty of Cambodia. Thailand says the court had only ruled on the ruins, not the surrounding area, which is Thai territory.

Abhisit, however, cannot cede to PAD's demands because the Democrat-led government under Chuan Leekpai had signed the 2000 MoU. Instead he is urging the PAD and other groups raising concern over the Preah Vihear issue to help the government come up with solutions.

Chamlong said he wanted to know if the government had a solid plan about what it should do in a year from now, when the World Heritage Committee considers Cambodia's temple management plan.

The Thai delegation managed to convince the panel to consider the management plan during its next session in 2011, but there are no clear ideas on what Thailand would do next.

Preah Vihear was made a World Heritage Site in 2008, obliging Cambodia to produce a management plan for the committee's consideration.

Even though the plan has been delayed by a year, Cambodia says it can still implement the plan. A statement from Phnom Penh said several jobs, such as the enlargement of the buffer zone to the south of the property, have been completed so far.

Meanwhile, despite the hot debate on the temple, the situation along the border province of Si Sa Ket remained calm. However, the situation might get heated as another PAD member Veera Somkwamkid is planning to take a group of protesters to the temple this weekend.

His plan is to disturb the peace of villagers in Ban Phum Srol for clashing with his group in 2008.

However, police and local authorities said yesterday they were ready to control the situation, adding that Ban Phum Srol residents were mostly Khmer natives and wanted no confrontation.

Meanwhile, Thippong Thipkesorn, sub-district police chief for Bung Malou, urged Veera to adjust his plan and seek opinions from local people.

People's network threaten action against Cambodia [-Will this lead to another anti-Thai riot in Phnom Penh?]

October 25, 2009
By Supalak Ganjanakhundee
The Nation

Cha-am - Thai protesters yesterday threatened to surround the Cambodian Embassy in Bangkok next month unless Prime Minister Hun Sen withdrew troops and removed Cambodian community from the disputed area adjacent to Preah Vihear.

Some 30 people led by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) made a brief protest at Puk Tien beach in ChaAm district, some 10km away from the Asean meeting venue in response to the harsh remarks by Hun Sen regarding fugitive Thaksin Shinawatra.

Thailand and Cambodia have been at loggerheads over the disputed area near the Hindu temple of Preah Vihear for a long time but the issue heated up a year ago when it was listed as a World Heritage Site.

The issue of Thaksin added fuel to the conflict when Hun Sen said he would make the fugitive expremier his economic adviser and would not extradite him to Thailand. Such remarks have heightened tensions with the Thai government which is seeking to apprehend Thaksin, who has been sentenced to two years' prison sentence in a corruption case.

The protesters handed over their letter of demands to the Foreign Ministry's Director General of Asean Affairs Vitavas Srivihok demanding the troop withdrawal and removal of the Cambodian community from the area within a week.

They condemned Hun Sen's recent remarks and wanted the Cambodian premier to leave Thailand immediately as he was not attending the Asean Summit in a spirit of goodwill.

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said his government had allowed the protesters to exercise their freedom of expression in accordance with democratic principles. The government would take their demands into consideration and would convey them to the neighbouring country if necessary, he said.

The Thai government would not allow one incident to jeopฌardise relations between the two countries, which have a lot of areas of mutual interest, he said. Kasit said the government would deal with Hun Sen in a cool manฌner.

"We have been together with Samdech Hun Sen the whole day in the [Asean] meeting. I think he did participate in every sesฌsion [of the Asean meeting] in a very constructive manner," Kasit said.

Prime Minister Hun Sen even supported Thailand's intention to be a temporary unit of surveillance of the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralisation (CMIM), Kasit said.

Regarding the Thaksin issue, Kasit maintained his hope that Hun Sen would be able to distinguish personal affairs from the mutual interests of the two countries.

"I don't know whether Prime Minister Hun Sen has invited Thaksin to visit Cambodia after he has served his jail term in Thailand or not," he said.

If Thaksin were to be in Cambodia before serving his sentence, the government would seek his extradition in accorฌdance with the bilateral treaty, Kasit said.

Clashes over Thai-Cambodia border

Preah Vihear has been scene of deadly clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops [EPA]

Saturday, September 19, 2009
Al Jazeera

Thai "Yellow Shirt" protesters have clashed with police and villagers at an ancient temple in territory at the centre of a dispute between Thailand and Cambodia.

At least 15 people were injured in northeastern Sisaket province after members of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) tried to march to the gates of the temple near land claimed by both Thailand and Cambodia, demanding the Thai government seize the disputed territory.

Protesters broke through barricades in attempts to reach the 11th century Preah Vihear temple near the border with Cambodia on Saturday.

Thai riot police used their shields to push back protesters armed with sticks who were trying to beat local villagers.

'Splinter group' blamed

Wayne Hay, Al Jazeera's correspondent in the region, said about 4,000 protesters had descended on the disputed border with Cambodia "to try to force some Cambodian villagers out of the area and back into Cambodia proper".

"There is a Thai police blockade that the PAD broke through with a bit of violence and also about four or five hundred villagers came out to try to stop the PAD from progressing," Hay said.

"There are also some skirmishes. We are hearing that there were several injuries as [protesters] went through that police blockade."

The PAD's leaders in Bangkok had distanced themselves from the protest, saying that a "splinter group" was behind it, Hay said.

Tear gas deployed

Abhisit Vejjajiva, the prime minister, said security forces were trying to persuade the protesters to back down, amid fears that their actions could spark further conflict with Cambodia.

"I am asking the police and soldiers to negotiate with the PAD," he told reporters in Bangkok.

The temple, granted UN World Heritage status in July 2008, has been the scene of several deadly battles between Thai and Cambodian troops over the past year.

Cambodia said on Thursday it had deployed riot police with dogs, batons and tear gas at the temple.

Deaths in gunbattle

The Yellow Shirts have demanded that the government push Cambodian forces out of the disputed area around it.

The two countries have been at loggerheads for decades over Preah Vihear.

The World Court ruled in 1962 that Preah Vihear belonged to Cambodia.

But Thailand retains rights to enter the ancient Khmer temple, which has crumbling stone staircases and elegant carvings.

A gunbattle in the temple area in April left three people dead while four people died in clashes in 2008.

17 injured in clash near Preah Vihear

September 20, 2009
THE NATION ON SUNDAY
SI SA KET

Seventeen people were injured yesterday as thousands of protesters from the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) clashed with local residents who live near Preah Vihear temple.

A protester from Chachoengsao, Phongsak Ritthichaikul, was hit in the right eye by a stone, while villager Prasert Piewkhao suffered facial injuries after being beaten up.

Teenagers armed with sticks and slingshots attacked the yellow shirts as they marched through their village to Preah Vihear.

Local villagers opposed the PAD protest, as they feared it could spark a war with Cambodia. The villagers have already suffered from the temple being closed, which has cost them income from the lack of tourists. Access to their farms has also been blocked by the military since last year.

The villagers were a similar mob to one that clashed with the PAD in July last year when yellow shirts rallied at the site to oppose the site being nominated for World Heritage listing.

However, thousands of PAD protesters led by Veera Somkwamkid managed to break the police and villagers' barricades in Si Sa Ket's Ban Phumsarol to reach the gate of Pha Mor Ee Daeng, next to Preah Vihear temple.

Veera said the villagers were misinformed about the PAD mission.

"We have come here to demand the removal of Cambodians from the disputed 4.6-square-kilometre area," he told reporters after the clash.

The PAD just wanted to enter Pha Mor Ee Daeng to read out their statement. However, they would stay put if the Abhisit government made no clear proposals to evict the Cambodians, he warned.

Si Sa Ket provincial governor Rapee Phongpuphakit had lengthy negotiations with Veera but failed to get the protesters to leave the site.

PAD coordinator Suriyasai Katasila yesterday called on the government to ensure safety of the protesters and prevent future clashes with local residents.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, in Bangkok, said he did not understand the PAD's intent. "I don't understand what is the purpose behind their protest," he told reporters.

The government had tried to brief the Cambodian government about the PAD protest and begged Phnom Penh to understand the situation to prevent a military clash, he said.

Second Army Region Commander Wiboonsak Neeparn said the protesters would not be allowed to get into Preah Vihear and the disputed area.

The most they would be allowed to do was for some representatives to read a statement at Pha Mor Ee Daeng.

PAD border protest 'not helpful'

15/09/2009
BangkokPost.com

The planned yellow-shirt protest on the Thai side of the disputed border near Preah Vihear temple might only add fuel to the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said on Tuesday.

The yellow-shirt People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) plans to gather near the border area this Saturday, demanding that the 11th century khmer temple be "returned" to Thailand. The PAD protest will coincide with the red-shirt rally of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship in Bangkok.

"I don't know what the PAD's intentions are. They can gather and express their feelings but they should be careful of being at odds with the Cambodian side," Mr Suthep said.

The deputy premier, who oversees security affairs, said the Thailand-Cambodia Joint Border Commission (JBC) was looking into the ownership of 4.6 square kilometres of disputed land next to the ancient temple.

He called on people not to interfere with the JBC's work.

"Everyone loves their country and I would like everyone not to exacerbate the situation," he said

Asked about the PAD protesters who might try to drive Cambodian villagers and traders out of the disputed area, Mr Suthep said both governments had been look at ways to solve this problem.

"The tension between the two countries has eased," he added.

[Thai] Army fears [PAD] rally will cause unrest

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, third from left in cap, yesterday visits Thai troops stationed in the disputed area on the Cambodian border near Preah Vihear temple. SANOH WORARAK

PAD protesters denied access to Preah Vihear

14/09/2009
THANIDA TANSUBHAPOL
Bangkok Post

SI SA KET : The army is worried a People's Alliance for Democracy rally being planned near the Preah Vihear temple could spark further border tensions with Cambodia.

An army officer, who asked not to be named, yesterday said the army would stop PAD protesters from entering Phra Viharn National Park in Si Sa Ket's Kantharalak district on Saturday.

The officer said Cambodia could decide to reinforce its troops and fan unrest if the protesters managed to gain access to the 4.6-square-kilometre area claimed by the two countries.

The PAD claims Thailand is losing sovereignty in the area as the government had ignored more structures being built by Phnom Penh.

It also accuses the government of planning to withdraw troops from the unsettled territory, a decision which could give Cambodia more control over the area.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, in his weekly television and radio address, yesterday tried to ease the protesters' concerns, saying any new buildings in the area would be unacceptable to Thailand.

"Let me assure all of you that the government will do anything it can to protect the national interest and sovereignty," Mr Abhisit said.

"But what we do not want to see happen is a misunderstanding which could lead to fighting, clashes or loss of lives."

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, who yesterday visited the border, said Thai troops had no plans to leave the disputed zone.

The minister warned that emotional rallies could be a setback to relations with Cambodia.

Mr Kasit held talks with Cambodian deputy supreme commander Chea Tara and the two agreed not to use force to settle their differences over the sovereignty issue.

Cambodia last month announced it had halved its troop presence near Preah Vihear. But an army source said the reduction affected support units only. All main forces were stationed in the disputed area and nearby.

In July last year, three Thai protesters in the disputed area were arrested by Cambodian soldiers while demonstrating against a Cambodian plan to list Preah Vihear as a World Heritage site under the United Nations Scientific, Educational and Cultural Organisations.

The Thai News Agency quoted army spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd as saying protesters on Saturday should "think carefully in order to avoid what happened last year".

PAD members in several northeastern provinces began their campaign yesterday in Khon Kaen by paying respect to the statue of former prime minister Sarit Thanarat. They issued a statement stressing their determination to keep the disputed area near the 11th century temple part of Thailand.

The World Court has ruled the temple belongs to Cambodia. The ruling in 1962 was made when Sarit was the Thai government leader.

Kasit still friend with PAD

13/09/2009
BangkokPost.com

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya insisted he and the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) were not in conflict.

Earlier, the yellow-shirt PAD accused the foreign minister of failing to protect the country's terrority adjacent to Preah Vihear temple.

Mr Kasit said before visiting the area around the disputed Thai-Cambodian border near the ancient temple on Sunday morning that he had invited PAD core members for a meeting so he could explain his work an the border situation to them.

On the yellow-shirt supporters' plan to gather near Preah Vihear on Sept 19, he said they have the right to do so, and believed police and military forces would be able to maintain peace and order during the demonstration.

"The purpose of this visit is to meet people in Si Sa Ket. I will give moral support to the soldiers at the disputed border area," the minister said.

The government will continue to follow the framework agreement with all neighbouring countries to bring about peace, he said.

[Thai] FM: Thailand's stance on Preah Vihear temple unchanged

BANGKOK, Sept 13 (TNA) - Urging activists of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) who plan to gather at the ancient Preah Vihear temple Saturday to demand Cambodian civilians and military to leave the contested area around the temple to not approach the issue emotionally, Foreign Affairs Minister Kasit Piromya said Sunday that the border problem between the two countries must be solved through “peaceful means.”

Reiterating that the Thai government’s stance regarding the ancient temple remains unchanged, Mr. Kasit said the problem must be solved at the negotiating table by strictly following agreements made by the two countries and the United Nations charter.

“It is not proper to use emotions, feelings or excessive patriotism,” said Mr. Kasit, adding that the two countries are brothers.

PAD supporters earlier urged the Thai government to push back Khmer soldiers and civilians from occupying the contested 4.6 square kilometre contested zone surrounding the 11th-century temple. Mr. Kasit said the group has a right to express its opinion, while the government has a duty to promote positive international relations and reasserted that the border issue must be solved by peaceful means.

Mr. Kasit said before leaving to inspect areas around the temple that if the PAD gathers at the contested area, Thai police or military would provide security for them.

The ruins of the temple belong to Cambodia, but the most practical entrance begins at the foot of a mountain in Thailand, and both sides claim portions of the surrounding territory.

The International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that Preah Vihear itself belongs to Cambodia. Tensions flared along the border in July 2008 after the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) granted Cambodia’s ancient temple status as a World Heritage Site status.