Preah Vihear: Locals fear border closure as ICJ verdict nears

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Locals fear border closure as ICJ verdict nears
Chatchawan Sopapan,
Panya Thiosangwan,
Nuntida Puangthong
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- TREPIDATION IS MOUNTING among people living near the Cambodian border that crossings may be closed due to the International Court of Justice's ruling on Monday on the Preah Vihear Temple case.

"We are worried," Hong Tiaw, a Cambodian trader, said yesterday.

People from Poipet in Cambodia were seen rushing across the border to Rong Kluea Market in Sa Kaew to stock up on goods. Cambodians were also seen hauling loads of food out of the market.

"We have noticed that Cambodia has stationed border-patrol police in zones around here. So, we suspect that soldiers may be taken away and deployed near Preah Vihear instead," Hong Tiaw said.

Sa Kaew officials insisted that neither side had a plan to close down the checkpoint. Thai Army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha said security and other agencies were closely monitoring the situation.

The Armed Forces are ready to protect Thailand's sovereignty but they are also aware that any border clash could hurt people and incite more violence.

"So, we will strive to deliver the best solutions within a framework that assures good bilateral relations," he said.

Patrols have been stepped up in sensitive areas and efforts to achieve mutual understanding have been intensified, he said.

Kasit Piromya, a former foreign minister, urged people to refrain from politicising the ICJ issue.

"I hope Thais will stay united in protecting the country's interests," he said. During the Democrat-led government, Kasit appointed Virachai Plasai, the Thai ambassador to The Hague, as head of the Thai legal team for the Preah Vihear case.


-- The Nation 2013-11-07

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Lol..Kasit says observe thai interests ie bx prepared to reject ICJ ruling but dont politicise it..... yea, what is that in clear English?

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