Thai-Cambodia conference in Cha-Am
The dispute of Thai-Cambodia “Preah Vihear temple” between the two countries was summarized after the conference held at Dusit Thani Hua Hin from August 18th to 19th. The conference was subject to reducing the military presence.
Thailand’s authorities were represented by Mr. Tej Boon-Nak, minister of Foreign Affairs Kingdom of Thailand. Mr. Manaspas Choo-to, minister’s advisor, Mr. Weerasak Footrakul, deputy of the ministry of Foreign Affairs and Mr. Veerapan Watcharathit, the ambassador of Thailand in Cambodia etc.
Cambodian was represented by Mr. Hor Nam-Hong, vice mayor and minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Long Visa-Lo, deputy minister of Foreign Affairs, General Neign Pard, deputy minister of defense, Mr. Var Kim Hong, senior minister and border-relation consultant.
The two-day conference went on seriously on the subject of reducing military presence at the borders between the two countries and especially around Preah Vihear temple. The last day of the conference started in a warm and friendly atmosphere between both country representatives.
On the 19th of August, before the press conference commenced, Mr. Tej Boon-nak accompanied with Mr. Hor Nam-Hong paid a visit to HM Bhumibol Adulyadej at Peim Suk House, Klai Kang Won Palace, Hua Hin.
At the press conference, Mr. Tej Boon-nak, said that the two sides are very content with the progress of the agreement after the discussion which leads to a reduction of the critical situation at Preah Vihear temple area. However there are five crucial points to be agreed upon.
1. Cambodian and Thai foreign ministers agree to arrange second-phase troop deployment at the disputed border area near the temple. There should be a second conference arranged for Cambodian minister of defense Thai’s military leader, Lt.Gen. Sujit Sithiprapa to sort out the military based in Siem Reap, Cambodia on 29th of August 2008.
2. The two foreign ministers also agreed to recommend to their governments to hold the next meeting of legal experts and the Thai-Cambodian Joint Border Committee in early October, to discuss the issues related to border survey and demarcation of the relevant frontier sectors.
3. After GBC conference, there must be a meeting between Thailand’s and Cambodian’s ministers.
4. Each party will propose to his government to make a temporary agreement to be used during the unfinished GBC conference.
5. Each party will consider the subject of Prasat Ta Muang Tom located in Surin province, in a next meeting for both countries.
“The meeting was successful in pulling off military forces from the mentioned areas. For us, Thailand and Cambodia chose a peaceful solution and freedom followed by Thai-Cambodian law. We are not only neighbors but our civilization; culture and religion are very close to each other. We both have a similar monarchy system. We live next to each other and are a member of ASEAN. It is very important for both of us to use peaceful solutions of endurance.” Mr. Hor Nam-Hong said.
However, “Preah Vihear temple” will be soon open for tourists again after both military forces have pulled off.
On he last day of the meeting a group of protesters, Thamayatra, led by Mr. Saman Sir-ngarm and his team came in front of Dusit Thani, Hua Hin, called to speak to the minister of Foreign Affairs of Cambodia about the case of Thailand’s border being seized by co-operation of Cambodia and French earlier in the 20th Century. But Pol. Col. Manit Sir-vilat, Deputy Commander of Petchburi province and Pol. Col. Charlie Soimukda, Cha-Am Superintendent, prevented the protesters from entering inside the meeting hall.
However the 3rd meeting will be held again in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
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