SI SA KET, Nov 3 — Thailand’s Khao Phra Viharn National Park closed Sunday afternoon, more than 12 hours earlier than scheduled at 6am tomorrow, to prevent groups from staging rallies related to the November 11 International Court of Justice ruling on the two countries’ territorial dispute.
Si Sa Ket authorities ordered a temporary shut down as they feared that groups of activists would gather to rally in the area.
The closure was earlier than scheduled and followed a visit by seven members of the Thammayatra group led by Saman Sri-ngam which went to the national park and asked to take a look at the disputed 4.6 sq km area to collect information and make their analysis ahead of the World Court judgement which will be delivered next Monday November 11.
Followed by national park rangers, the group of activists was allowed to view the disputed area by walking along the Pha Mor E-Dang cliff before returning to their meeting site near the shrine of the city pillar in downtown Kantaralak district.
Meanwhile, Pol Gen Chalermkiat Srivorakan, Inspector General, visited Pha Mor E-Dang cliff himself to show his support for the border police.
Currently, the overall situation along the Thai-Cambodian border in the province remains normal.
On November 11, the World Court will deliver its ruling on the territorial dispute between Thailand and Cambodia over the area surrounding Preah Vihear.
The ICJ judgement will be telecast live on Channel 11 and Channel 9, and broadcast on radio, starting at 4 pm (local time) on Monday November 11.
