Thai Army Chief: Indonesian Observer Will Make Situation More Difficult

[webfact]

Army chief: Indonesian observer will make situation more difficult

BANGKOK, March 23 - Thai army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha on Wednesday said resolving the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia will be more difficult if Indonesia sends observers into the disputed areas claimed by both neighbours.

The Thai army commander-in-chief expressed his disagreement following reports that Indonesian observers will enter the contested zone to observe the situation.

Tension along the Thai-Cambodian border was renewed with several clashes between soldiers of the two countries near the ancient Preah Vihear temple in early February, leading to casualties among the troops and civilians on both sides, as well as forcing the evacuation of villagers in the areas.

Indonesia, as the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), said it will send a team to observe the borders of Thailand and Cambodia, but not as a peacekeeping or peace enforcement team.

Gen Prayuth commented that he disagreed with the observer team, no matter from which country, but it depends on the decision of the government and the foreign ministry.

The army chief reasoned that the border conflict should be resolved at the bilateral level, adding he has no objection if the observer team will stay at the border but their location must be fixed first.

"I earlier said the Thai-Cambodian General Border Committee (GBC) meeting should be held first so that the defence ministers of two countries will talk and find a solution as to whether the ASEAN observers should enter the area or not," Gen Prayuth said.

"If the observers will really enter at the borders, I don't want them to enter the disputed area as it's dangerous zone and will make it more difficult to solve the conflict."

Gen Prayuth reiterated that the Defence Ministry, the Royal Thai Army and the commanders of Thailand three branches of the armed forces also disagreed with the move regarding ASEAN observers.

Regarding the possible GBC meeting, the army chief said Thailand has proposed to its neighbour to hold the meeting as soon as possible and that Thailand is ready to host the event if Cambodia is not ready.

Gen Prayuth added any agreement regarding the border dispute cannot be achieved by either country alone but with mutual agreement by the two countries.

In a related development, Thai foreign ministry spokesman Thani Thongpakdi said on Wednesday the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh has already submitted letters seeking royal pardons from the Cambodian monarch for the two convicted Thai activists of Thai Patriots Network on Mar 14.

Mr Thani said he has been informed that Cambodia is considering letters of Veera Somkwamkid and Ratree Pipattanapaiboon, while reaffirming that any political change in Thailand will not affect the royal pardon request of the two Thai nationals.

The spokesman added he cannot tell when the royal pardon request process will be completed as it depends on the consideration of Cambodian authorities case by case.

A Cambodian court on Feb 1 ruled that the two were guilty of espionage, illegal entry, and trespassing in a military zone. Mr Veera was sentenced to an eight-year jail term while Ms Ratree was handed a six-year jail term. Mr Veera's health is reportedly deteriorating as he has congenital diseases and has not been given appropriate medical treatment and nutrition while serving his jail term there. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-03-23

[Gonzo the Face]

All along, since this thing erupted big time a couple months ago,,,,, Thailand has been draggin their feet about having observers. WHY??? to me it makes Thailand look to the world like they have something to hide.

Edited March 23, 2011 by Gonzo the Face

[webfact]

Thai army chief rejects border observers

BANGKOK, March 23, 2011 (AFP) - Thailand's powerful army chief on Wednesday said Indonesian observers were not wanted in a disputed area on the Thai-Cambodia border, despite an earlier agreement between the neighbours.

"Regardless of where the observers are from, we don't want them.. in the disputed area because it's dangerous and will complicate the problem", General Prayut Chan-O-Cha said.

The Thai defence ministry, armed forces and military commanders reject the idea of outside monitors in the territory, he said, before conceding that it was up to the government to decide.

A simmering border dispute over a small piece of land around an 11th century temple erupted in early February and heavy fighting between the armies of both sides claimed at least 10 lives and displaced thousands.

Prayut said the longstanding General Border Committee, chaired by Thai and Cambodian defence ministers, should be convened as planned in April to help the countries decide whether observers were wanted in the area.

Government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn denied a split between the government and military view of the situation.

"There's no change in position," he said, adding that the GBC meeting would be held first to iron out details such as location and agenda before observers would be allowed in the territory.

"I asked Khun Prayut... he said he did not reject the principle. They have to be clear on the conditions and in order to do that the GBC should resume first," he said. Khun is a Thai term of respect.

Thailand and Cambodia have each accused the other of starting the border clashes, which erupted around the Hindu temple of Preah Vihear.

Ties between the neighbours have been strained since Preah Vihear was granted UN World Heritage status in July 2008.

The World Court ruled in 1962 that the temple belonged to Cambodia, but both countries claim ownership of a 4.6 square kilometre (1.8 square mile) surrounding area.

The initial deal to allow observers into the area came in late February during a meeting of foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Indonesia, which holds the current chair of the 10-member block.

At the time Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, speaking on behalf of ASEAN, said it was a "unique arrangement" for the grouping, which devotes most of its time to trade and avoids conflict resolution.

The observers, including soldiers and civilians, were expected to be embedded with armies on either side of the disputed border and report to the governments in Bangkok and Phnom Penh on any violations of the ceasefire.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2011-03-23

[geovalin]

As Thailand refuses to endorse the decisions of the bilateral meetings (Thailand even refuse to read them because the Yellow demands it), these comities or commissions have not sense at all. Cambodia tried to revive them inviting observers.

Thailand asking more bilateral meetings is just a big joke, insulting intelligence of the reader.

[pisico]

All along, since this thing erupted big time a couple months ago,,,,, Thailand has been draggin their feet about having observers. WHY??? to me it makes Thailand look to the world like they have something to hide.

Ditto!

Same as Obama blocking all efforts to reveal the long form birth certificate along with his scholastic records that have been sealed.

We all know he was born Barry Soetoro. What is the big deal if he has nothing to hide?

This, albeit a different situation, provokes the same doubts about the true reasons not to have an independent observer with access to the disputed are.

Edited March 23, 2011 by pisico

[sentogawa]

All along, since this thing erupted big time a couple months ago,,,,, Thailand has been draggin their feet about having observers. WHY??? to me it makes Thailand look to the world like they have something to hide.

Ditto!

Same as Obama blocking all efforts to reveal the long form birth certificate along with his scholastic records that have been sealed.

We all know he was born Barry Soetoro. What is the big deal if he has nothing to hide?

This, albeit a different situation, provokes the same doubts about the true reasons not to have an independent observer with access to the disputed are.

'Birthers'- unrivaled in their ability to make even General Prayut Chan-O-Cha's statements seem intelligent by comparison.

[News_Editor]

Thailand rejects Indonesian observers in disputed border area

2011-03-24 05:15:13 GMT+7 (ICT)

BANGKOK, THAILAND (BNO NEWS) -- Thailand on Wednesday rejected allowing the entrance of Indonesian observers in the disputed area on the Thai-Cambodian border, the Bangkok Post reported.

Thai Army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha said that the decision was made by Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwon as Thailand intends to solve the conflict with Cambodia without outside involvement.

Both countries have disputed the 4.6 square kilometer area near the ancient Preah Vihear temple on the Thai-Cambodian border. Cambodia requested Indonesian observers to mediate in the conflict.

"Regardless of where the observers are from, we don't want them. Thailand and Cambodia, can reach a settlement through negotiations, especially between the soldiers," said Prayuth.

General Prayuth said that if the Cambodia government insisted in having foreign observers, they should be allowed to perform their duty outside the disputed border area.

According to the Army chief, the Thai Foreign Ministry submitted a proposal to Cambodia to establish joint checkpoints in the disputed area as well as a coordination center to monitor the operation.

However, Prayuth remarked that the checkpoints and the center must be operated by Thai and Cambodian soldiers only. The General Border Committee, chaired by Thai and Cambodian defense ministers, is scheduled to meet in April to discuss the proposal.

Tensions first escalated between the two countries in July 2008 following the build-up of military forces near the Preah Vihear temple. The United Nations Security Council urged both sides to establish a permanent ceasefire after at least 10 people were killed.

Clashes resumed in February as both nations claim the lands surrounding the Hindu Temple of Preah Vihear. The border conflict has damaged the temple which dates back to the 11th century and is located on the Cambodian side of the border. UNESCO sent a mission to asses the situation.

In 2008, the Preah Vihear temple was inscribed on the World Heritage List in recognition of its outstanding universal value. It is considered an outstanding example of Khmer architecture and consists of a complex of sanctuaries linked by pavements and staircases on an 800-metre-long axis.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-03-24

[Briggsy]

The Thai Army has no tradition of operating transparently. If your actions remain not known, you do not have to explain them, justify them or be held accountable for them. The Generals are fearful where it might lead to.

[virtualtraveller]

Up to now I've mostly suspected the Cambodians of starting the skirmishes to suit their leader's dodgy agenda, now I'm beginning to wander if the Thai military are equally complicit. What have they got to hide, apart from their silly pride.

[pisico]

All along, since this thing erupted big time a couple months ago,,,,, Thailand has been draggin their feet about having observers. WHY??? to me it makes Thailand look to the world like they have something to hide.

Ditto!

Same as Obama blocking all efforts to reveal the long form birth certificate along with his scholastic records that have been sealed.

We all know he was born Barry Soetoro. What is the big deal if he has nothing to hide?

This, albeit a different situation, provokes the same doubts about the true reasons not to have an independent observer with access to the disputed are.

'Birthers'- unrivaled in their ability to make even General Prayut Chan-O-Cha's statements seem intelligent by comparison.

When someone blocks access to facts or the truth, it means only one thing: that someone is hiding something; no matter who that person is.

[Thaddeus]

"Regardless of where the observers are from, we don't want them. Thailand and Cambodia, can reach a settlement through negotiations, especially between the soldiers," said Prayuth.

It is patently obvious that they can't.

[Asa]

Letting in an observer from the outside is risky, their judgement of the case may be misled due to lacks of knowledge, and may result in stereo type view, fact distorted. This can make things getting worse, affecting Thailand and Cambodia image internationally. That maybe the reason why Gen Prayuth does not want them. However he should realize that the team would come to the area as the reporter for and on the behalf of ASEAN. They try to help, and Thailand must pay its due respect in this regard. Gen Prayuth should not state outright that he will not allow the team to stay at the Pra Viharn.

[Bagwan]

Is my memory correct in that a dispute ( about penalty clauses for the Airport railway construction? ) went to arbitration and when they came up with the wrong conclusion, Thaksin said that he would ignore it. So much for binding arbitration and good faith. In that light I wonder what purpose independent observers would serve. If they too come up with something not in Thailand's favour they will scream foul or misunderstanding.

[webfact]

Deputy PM Suthep: No third party should be involved with Thai-Cambodian border issue

BANGKOK, March 24 -- Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban voiced support Thursday for Army Chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha's view that no third party should be involved in the Thai-Cambodian General Border Committee (GBC) meeting as it was a bilateral issue.

He said Indonesia, in its capacity as chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), or any other country, should not meddle in the border committee meeting.

Mr Suthep said that the GBC was suspended because the Thai Parliament had not yet approved documents related to the previous Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Committee (JBC) meeting.

Meanwhile, he said, the Cambodian side felt that the meetings in the past had made no progress so that it did not cooperate to make the meeting happen.

However, Mr Suthep stressed that the joint parliamentary session on Friday which was scheduled to deliberate the JBC documents would approve them to let the border demarcation meeting proceed, and he said he could guarantee that Thailand would not lose even one inch of territory.

He added that the government would not let foreign forces enter the disputed zone but if they come, Thai and Cambodian troops must be present with them.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan said that he believed Gen Prayuth did not object to team of observers from Indonesia, but he thought that the issue on observers should be discussed and decided at the general border meeting. which until now had not occurred.

He said Cambodia was scheduled to host the next session but Thailand is prepared to host the meeting if the Khmer side is not ready, as the issue is under discussion by both countries' defence ministries.

As for the report that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen wanted Indonesia as a witness in the GBC meeting, Gen Prawit said he still did not understand how Indonesia could serve as a witness. He said the committee was a bilateral tool for the two countries to find a mutual solution.

Gen Prayuth on Wednesday expressed disagreement following reports that Indonesian observers will enter the contested zone at the Thai-Cambodia border to observe the situation, no matter from which country.

He said the border meeting should be held first so that the defence ministers of two countries will talk and find a solution as to whether the ASEAN observers should enter the area or not.

If the observers will really cross the border, he did not want them to enter the disputed area as it is a dangerous zone and their foreign observers presence will make it more difficult to solve the conflict.

Indonesia called for meetings of the GBC and JBC on March 24 and 25, but later postponed then to April 7 and 8 in Indonesia.

The arrangement was part of a deal to settle the boundary conflict between the two neighbours. The agreement included a plan to dispatch Indonesian observers to the disputed area adjacent to the ancient Khmer Hindu temple of Preah Vihear.

However Gen Prayuth said he and other Thai armed forces commanders resolved not to attend the GBC meeting in Bogor proposed by Indonesia and agreed to by Cambodia, saying that any talks must be bilateral only. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-03-24

[webfact]

Suthep opposes presence of foreign troops in disputed zone

BANGKOK, 24 March 2011 (NNT) – Deputy Prime Minister overseeing Security Affairs Suthep Thaugsuban has confirmed that he is against a plan to allow presence of foreign troops in the disputed zone on the Thai-Cambodian border.

The deputy prime minister said the presence of foreign troops at any spot in the overlapping zone should be allowed only under the accompaniment of Thai and Cambodian troops, particularly where border demarcation remains unclear.

Mr Suthep’s statement came after Army Chief General Prayut Chan-O-Cha mentioned that he did not want Indonesia or any third country to be involved in the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting.

Mr Suthep admitted that the JBC meeting could not go forward because Thai Parliament has not yet approved the minutes of three previous meetings. He committed that he would forward the minutes for Parliament’s consideration on Friday so that the border-demarcation meeting would be able to continue.

The deputy prime minister affirmed that the government would not allow Thailand to lose any inch of its soil from the demarcation.

-- NNT 2011-03-24

[webfact]

Indonesia awaits approval on Thai-Cambodia mission

[JAKARTA, March 24, 2011 (AFP) - Indonesia said Thursday that an ASEAN plan to send Indonesian military observers to the disputed Thai-Cambodia border had stalled as it awaited approvals from Bangkok and Phnom Penh.

At a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Jakarta last month, Thailand and Cambodia agreed to accept Indonesian observers to a flashpoint section of the border where heavy fighting erupted in February.

ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan hailed the agreement as a "historic day" for the 10-nation block, but more than a month later the observer teams remain in Jakarta and Thailand's military now says they are not needed.

"We're still waiting for further approvals from both countries before we can proceed to go to the area," Indonesian foreign ministry spokeswoman Kusuma Habir told AFP.

The observers had not received their operating orders and did not even know where they would be posted or for how long, she added.

"We hope that we will receive their approvals as soon as possible," Habir said.

Thailand's army chief, General Prayut Chan-O-Cha, said Wednesday the observers were not wanted in the disputed area near an 11th-century temple because it was too dangerous and they would only complicate matters.

Prayut said the Thai defence ministry, armed forces and military commanders rejected the idea of outside monitors, but conceded it was up to the government to decide.

A Thai government spokesman denied however that there had been any change in Bangkok's position, and said a joint border committee would be convened to iron out the details of the observers' mission.

Cambodia insisted on Thursday the delay was being caused solely by Thailand.

Foreign ministry spokesman Koy Kuong said the Cambodian government had already sent all the necessary paperwork to Indonesia.

"For Cambodia, there is no problem. We have immediately responded to all Indonesian letters involving the TOR (Terms of Reference)," he told AFP.

"Cambodia has already agreed to the locations and timing (for the observers). If Thailand does not want the observers, Cambodia accepts them unilaterally," he said.

Thailand and Cambodia have each accused the other of starting the border clashes, which erupted around the Hindu temple of Preah Vihear.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2011-03-24

[Thaddeus]

"I don't respect 'farangs'. We do not have to surrender to them," he said, using the Thai word for "Westerners".

Thailand, known as the "Land of Smiles", is usually regarded as friendly to foreigners.

According to Abhisit the kingdom received 15.8 million overseas tourists last year and the sector generated 585 billion baht ($19 billion), or 7 percent of economic output.

Well, what can I say.

[Gonzo the Face]

"I don't respect 'farangs'. We do not have to surrender to them," he said, using the Thai word for "Westerners".

Thailand, known as the "Land of Smiles", is usually regarded as friendly to foreigners.

According to Abhisit the kingdom received 15.8 million overseas tourists last year and the sector generated 585 billion baht ($19 billion), or 7 percent of economic output.

Well, what can I say.

Please tell us where that top quote,above, "farangs" was in any of Webfacts report from 14:43. I cannot seem to locate it.

[whybother]

"I don't respect 'farangs'. We do not have to surrender to them," he said, using the Thai word for "Westerners".

Thailand, known as the "Land of Smiles", is usually regarded as friendly to foreigners.

According to Abhisit the kingdom received 15.8 million overseas tourists last year and the sector generated 585 billion baht ($19 billion), or 7 percent of economic output.

Well, what can I say.

Please tell us where that top quote,above, "farangs" was in any of Webfacts report from 14:43. I cannot seem to locate it.

Actually, it's over here ->

[webfact]

Regarding the missing quoted text -

we have moved an article out of this thread because it was in the wrong place.

Thailand rejects foreign election monitors (does contain the quoted text)