BANGKOK, 18 September 2011 –The Defense Ministry has confirmed the country’s sovereignty over the 4.6 sq km area near the Preah Vihear Temple following the Opposition’s call for clarification of the area’s status.
Quoting PM Yingluck Shinawatra’s affirmation on facebook that the 4.6 sq km area belongs to the country, Defense Minister Gen. Yuthasak Sasiprapa insisted that the disputed land was inside the Thai border and that Thai troops were still operating there.
Gen. Yuthasak also claimed that there had not been any conflict between the two countries so far. If a misunderstanding occurs, the Thai government is ready to solve the problem with the Cambodian counterpart through diplomatic means.
The Minister is scheduled to visit Cambodia during September 23-24 at the invitation of Defense Minister Gen. Tea Bahn. During the trip, he has also planned to meet PM Hun Sen and King Norodom Sihamoni.
Both sides are expected to discuss all the problematic issues. Results of the meeting will be part of the topics of the upcoming General Border Committee (GBC).
