Foreign ministry plans to revive ties with Cambodia

Published: 27/09/2010 The Foreign Ministry is drafting a plan to revive Thai-Cambodian ties, with cooperation from many sectors and many levels, and will forward its recommendations to the cabinet for approval soon, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said on Monday. The foreign minister's remarks follow the meeting between Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York on Sunday. During the half hour meeting they agreed that warm relations between the two neighbours are vital for the benefit of their people. The diplomatic standoff between the two countries resulted in part from Cambodia’s unilateral management plan for the environs of the ancient Preah Vihear temple that sits on disputed border land claimed by both Thailand and Cambodia. Mr Kasit, who also attended the UN General Assembly in New York, said he will start the drafting process once he returns to Bangkok and expects to forward it for the prime minister's approval soon. The plan to restore the relationship with Cambodia includes operations and activities at both local and central levels, Mr Kasit said. For local operations, the ministry will coordinate with the 2nd Army Region, the Thai navy and with the governors of provinces adjacent to the Cambodian border. Cultural, sports and academic exchange activities between the peoples of the two countries will be held, while medical and humanitarian aid as well as landmine clearance and disposal operations will be conducted mutually, he said. "We also want to seek cooperation with Cambodian authorities in the registration of Thais and Cambodians living along the borders, and foragers, in order to avoid violence in case they stray and accidentally trespass into the other country's territory," said Mr Kasit. "Troops of both sides can contact each other. When a problem occurs, they should talk to avoid the use of violence and must be able to identify and differentiate local residents and people foraging along the border from criminal rings. "We must speed up joint operations in suppressing criminals and syndicate smugglers," Mr Kasit said. He more border checkpoints should be opened to facilitate trade, transportation and tourism along the border, but the checkpoints should be opened only in appropriate areas, not in disputed areas or areas where there is a risk of stepping on landmines. The policy at the central level involves assistance in development roles in various fields and will cover operations for the new fiscal year which begins in October, he said. Mr Kasit expressed hope that th eCambodian information minister and the Cambodian media will accept his invitation to visit Thailand and discuss the dispute. This would help create better understanding between the two nations.