SI SA KET, NOV 5 – Protesters began gathering in this Thai-Cambodian border province ahead of the November 11 International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling on the two countries’ territorial dispute.
Cambodia earlier sought the court’s interpretation of its 1962 ruling awarding the Preah Vihear Temple to Cambodia as to whether the area around the temple included the disputed 4.6 square kilometres.
Thailand contended that the 1962 verdict only covered the Hindu temple itself, and not the adjacent area.
Kittisak Ponpai, leader of so-called “Kamlang Pandin Group”, led the group to set up tents and a makeshift stage, preparing to rally at the City Pillar compound in Kantaralak district.
He read a statement announcing the group’s stance on the case, saying only the map based on the watershed line of the Dangrek Mountain range must be adhered to.
The group will hold a public forum in the evening to present opinions from all parties.
Mr Kittsak said the group will gather again on Saturday.
At the same time, another “Thammayatra Group” rallied at Khao Phra Viharn-Kantaralak Road, some 200 metres away from the “Kamlang Pandin Group”.
Thailand’s Khao Phra Viharn National Park earlier announced that it would close for the time being to prevent groups from holding rallies related to court verdict.
