Thai Defence Minister In Cambodia For Border Talks

[george]

Thai defence minister in Cambodia for border talks

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's defence minister has embarked on a two-day visit to Cambodia to discuss a range of border issues with the government in Phnom Penh.

General Thammarak Isarangura Na Ayutthaya is leading a 20-strong delegation to attend the fourth meeting of the two countries' General Border Committee.

Speaking to journalists in Bangkok ahead of his departure, the general said one of the key problems to be discussed would be "the lingering issue over the ancient Preah Vihear Temple.”

The 1,000-year-old mountain-top site is in Cambodia, but more easily accessibly across a disputed area of the border with Thailand.

Until yesterday, the temple crossing had been closed for almost a month. Cambodian authorities had sealed the border after Thai troops mobilised in the area.

Thailand argued that the troop deployment was necessary to prevent Cambodian vendors occupying the area. A Memorandum of Understanding signed by both sides in 1994 states that nobody is allowed to stay in the disputed area until the demarcation of the border is complete.

Phnom Penh has now reopened the Preah Vihear checkpoint to allow tourist access, and has agreed to relocate the occupants of the mountainous border region whom Thailand has accused of causing wastewater problems.

The Thai defence minister said that he would also be discussing issues such as illegal migrant workers and smuggled goods.

General Thammarak and his delegation are scheduled to return to Bangkok on Friday evening.

--TNA 2005-06-09