Government Denies Part Of Kood Island Will Be Handed To Cambodia

[Jai Dee]

Prime Minister’s Secretary-General Prommin Lertsuridej denies part of Kood Island will be handed to Cambodia

Prime Minister’s Secretary-General Prommin Lertsuridej (พรหมมินทร์ เลิศสุริย์เดช) denies allegations that the government has agreed to hand Kood (กูด) Island in Trat to Cambodia and Ban Rom Klao (บ้านร่มเกล้า) in Phitsanulok to Laos in exchange for business gain of certain groups of people.

The allegations were made by Sondhi Limthongkul (สนธิ ลิ้มทองกุล), a leader of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) in an open letter to Supreme Commander Ruangroj Mahasaranon (เรืองโรจน์ มหาศรานนท์). Mr. Sondhi asked for promise that the military will protect national interest.

Dr. Prommin dismissed as groundless reports that the government has already settled border disputes with Cambodia by offering part of Kood Island to that country in exchange for an energy production concession.

He said he can confirm that no part of Thailand’s territory will be given to other countries.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 September 2006

[Scott]

I didn't know they were giving away land in Thailand! Now there's a place for people to go while they wait for their next visa.

[Jai Dee]

ACM Kongsak denies govt. will swap land on Kood Island w/ Cambodian natural resources' confession

Interior Minister Kongsak Wanthana has denied that the government of Thailand will exchange the plot of land on Kood Island with the confession of natural resources from the Cambodian authority. He said there has been no report on this issue, but he has instructed the officials to urgently carry out the investigation.

People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) head Sondhi Limthongkul alleged that the government is preparing to swap certain plot of land on Kood Island in Trat Province with the authority from Cambodia, and in return, the government will receive the confession of natural resources. However, Air Chief Marshal Kongsak believes that this allegation is untrue, and no report on this issue has been made. He said if this allegation is untrue, the accuser will be prosecuted as the allegation would damaged the country

The Interior Minister also said if the PAD decides to raise this topic in the demonstration to criticize the government on September 22nd, it would then depend on the group’s intention. However, he is confident that the gathering will not lead to violence, as the royal decree on the general election date has already been issued.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 September 2006

[Jai Dee]

Supreme Commander confirms Thailand's territorial inclusion

Supreme Commander Ruangroj Mahasaranond(เรืองโรจน์ มหาศรานนท์) insisted that Thailand owns all its area including Kood(กูด) island of Trad(ตราด) province and Moo Baan Rom Klao(หมู่บ้านร่มเกล้า) of Pitsanulok(พิษณุโลก) province.He affirmed that the area of Thailand will not be shared with any country.

Gen. Ruangroj has urged all sides not to create this matter as a political issue as division of lands is a sensitive issue. He said any mistake would affect relationship with neighboring counties and it is difficult to restore relationship.

He said Royal Thai Survey Department has been instructed to investigate the matter as the facts can be informed to people.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 September 2006

[John K]

Cutting up parts of Thailand and selling it for a profit who ever heard of.... oh wait a minute.... Shin?

[Rinrada]

And of course any rumour of the government handing back the 3 little bits of real estate just over the "bay " to Malaysia is completely without foundation. ...Cant do that can they..?..

[veteran]

:toksin is short of money

[onlooker]

Think about this . . .

Koh kood is being developed as an island for the rich. A 6 star resort with private airstrip will open soon and it's common knowledge that members of the government have large land holdings there.

Gambling is illegal in Thailand.

Gambling isnt illegal in Cambodia.

What better place for a casino?

[Rinrada]

Thailands own little Las Vegas..pity they cant get Frank Sinatra or Dino to do the Cabaret

[Plus]

And of course any rumour of the government handing back the 3 little bits of real estate just over the "bay " to Malaysia is completely without foundation.

Are they? News to me.

The whole idea is scandalous. In the Nation they mentioned something about that Rom Klao village - apparently there's ongoing dispute over the territory, makes it quite plausible to settle it quietly in exchange for some business concession.

[Ricardo]

Looking into my crystal-ball, I can see another 1-Billion-Baht law-suit, shortly to head Khun Sondhi's direction. Usual reward for raising another embarassing issue.

Do you think I should start calling myself E.T., and clean up ?

[kayo]

Ah..Koh Kood.... That takes me back, to 2001, when I was based on Chang.

When I wanted a holiday I went there, and every time, we stayed in a different resort. Beautiful elaborate ones on the beaches and different bays, and nice homely ones in the middle of the jungle.

The river that goes to the heart of the island from the south west will be forever in my hears as my "apocalypse Now" but paradisical cruise...

Sigh!, Oh! the memories..

Chang Chompuu Woz `ERE

Edited September 15, 2006 by kayo

[Jai Dee]

The military assures every square inch of the territory still belongs to Thailand

Supreme Commander Ruangroj Mahasaranon (เรืองโรจน์ มหาศรานนท์) vows not to give even a square inch of Thailand to any country.

Gen. Ruangroj was referring to some reports that the government had agreed to hand Kood (กูด) Island in Trat to Cambodia and Ban Rom Klao (บ้านร่มเกล้า) in Phitsanulok to Laos in exchange for business concessions.

Gen. Rungroj said both Kood Island and Ban Rom Klao still belong to Thailand and that the military will never let any part of the territory separated.

He warned, however, that border demarcation is a sensitive issue and should not be exploited for political gain or that might affect relations with neighbouring countries.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 September 2006

[John K]

The military assures every square inch of the territory still belongs to Thailand

Supreme Commander Ruangroj Mahasaranon (เรืองโรจน์ มหาศรานนท์) vows not to give even a square inch of Thailand to any country.

Gen. Ruangroj was referring to some reports that the government had agreed to hand Kood (กูด) Island in Trat to Cambodia and Ban Rom Klao (บ้านร่มเกล้า) in Phitsanulok to Laos in exchange for business concessions.

Gen. Rungroj said both Kood Island and Ban Rom Klao still belong to Thailand and that the military will never let any part of the territory separated.

He warned, however, that border demarcation is a sensitive issue and should not be exploited for political gain or that might affect relations with neighbouring countries.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 September 2006

I guess Thaksin has not shown them his new map yet.

[womble]

Think about this . . .

Koh kood is being developed as an island for the rich. A 6 star resort with private airstrip will open soon and it's common knowledge that members of the government have large land holdings there.

Gambling is illegal in Thailand.

Gambling isnt illegal in Cambodia.

What better place for a casino?

Wow, that makes perfect sense, he'll never get away with that though, surely. A company is one thing, but handing over land.

Nah can't be true can it?

[LaoPo]

Think about this . . .

Koh kood is being developed as an island for the rich. A 6 star resort with private airstrip will open soon and it's common knowledge that members of the government have large land holdings there.

Gambling is illegal in Thailand.

Gambling isnt illegal in Cambodia.

What better place for a casino?

Wow, that makes perfect sense, he'll never get away with that though, surely. A company is one thing, but handing over land.

Nah can't be true can it?

Thinking about it..............

what's the closest Cambodian (small) island next to Koh Kood/Kut ?..reachable with luxury fast speedboats or even choppers?

LaoPo