PM Abhisit: Cambodia informs Thailand of Hun Sen’s visit to Thai territory


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source: www.mcot.net
BANGKOK, Feb 6 (TNA) -- The Cambodian government informed the Thai government of Prime Minister Hun Sen visit before entering Thailand’s territory, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Saturday.

His remarks were made as Mr Hun Sen began his three-day visit to disputed Preah Vihear temple and Ta Muen Thom ruins areas which are being contested by the two neighbouring countries.

At about noon Saturday, the Cambodian government leader arrived at Preah Vihear temple, expecting to boost morale for his troops posted at the 11th century temple.

The International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that Preah Vihear belongs to Cambodia, but Thailand has argued that the 1.8 square miles (4.6 sq km) tract of scrub near the temple belongs to it. Demarcation of the area has not been resolved and sporadic clashes have followed between soldiers of the two countries since then.

Mr Abhisit said there would be no problem if his Cambodian counterpart visits nearby Khmer territory, saying that Cambidian officials must inform Thailand first if he wishes to travel into Thai territory.

The Cambodian officials coordinated with the Thai authorities, Mr Abhisit, stating that Mr Hun Sen had already arrived at Preah Vihear temple.

The Thai prime minister ordered Thai security operatives to monitor Mr Hun Sen while visiting the border as he is also scheduled to visit Ta Muen Thom ruins which lies in Thailand’s northeastern province of Surin and Cambodia’s northern Uddor Meanchey province next Monday.

He added that Thailand’s Second Army Area commander and defence minister reported no any problem.

As for the report that the Cambodia had granted nationality to fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, Mr Abhisit said, the government would not check the report as it was merely news report.

Cambodian government spokesman Khieu Kanharith denied the report, saying that the allegation, which surfaced earlier this week on "Khmer Intelligence News,'' a Cambodian anti-government Web site, was untrue. (TNA)

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