Activists Plan Rally Over Koh Kut Island Dispute with Cambodia

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Picture courtesy: Wikipedia

 

Activists are mobilising to protest in Bangkok and Trat, urging the Thai government to clearly state its stance on the contentious Koh Kut island dispute between Thailand and Cambodia. Koh Kut, located in Trat, is at the centre of a territorial disagreement, with fears arising that the island could potentially be ceded to Cambodia.

 

Pichit Chaimongkol, who leads the Network of Students and People Reforming Thailand, announced plans for a demonstration on Tuesday in front of Government House, challenging the Pheu Thai-led government's assurances. "Can we believe them?" Chaimongkol queried, sceptical of the government's promises regarding Koh Kut's sovereignty.

 

Adding to the chorus, Supitnattha Rangkatekaew from the Vocational Student Group Protecting the Monarchy plans to hold an informational gathering in Trat on Saturday. The demonstration aims to educate locals about the disputed territory.

 

Despite these movements, Phairat Soysang, Koh Kut's district chief, advises against protests on the island to avoid disrupting the tourism sector, which is a crucial economic pillar for the area. Soysang reassures that Koh Kut draws over 300,000 visitors annually, providing significant income. He firmly states the island's ownership under the 1907 French-Siamese treaty.

 

Contention heightened after the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) publicly opposed any agreements involving oil and gas resource development in the Gulf of Thailand that could affect national boundaries. Former finance minister Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala criticised the 2001 MoU, which he claims contradicts historical treaties, as potentially illegal.

 

Thailand's Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has pledged to preserve Thai territory, asserting no discussions with Cambodia have commenced. Meanwhile, Pheu Thai insists the MoU establishes a diplomatic framework to resolve overlapping maritime claims. The debate continues as tension over territorial integrity simmers, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2024-11-04

 

 

[ikke1959]

The result of the ancient administration of the lands and assets of Thailand and the people.... Same as Wat Angkor... Thailand claims lands and things that are maybe never been of Thailand, of that are already in Thai hands..

[Wongkitlo]

5 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

The result of the ancient administration of the lands and assets of Thailand and the people.... Same as Wat Angkor... Thailand claims lands and things that are maybe never been of Thailand, of that are already in Thai hands..

Have just returned from Cambodia. Cambodia seems to have trouble managing the land they have-dirt roads, rubbish everywhere, no police presence, bribes at immigration. I don't think they need any more. They would just let the Chinese build skyscrapers everywhere anyway. 

[jcmj]

It’s a beautiful small island with a very peaceful atmosphere. I hope it stays that way.