On 14 October 2008, Mr. Sompong Amornvivat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, gave a press conference regarding remarks by the Cambodian Prime Minister on 13 October concerning the situation in the area adjacent to the Temple of Phra Viharn. Gist as follows:
1. On the issue of troop withdrawal, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sompong said that Thailand cannot withdraw its troops from the area because the Thai troops deployed there are in Thai territory.
2. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister affirmed that Thailand will never violate the sovereignty of neighbouring countries, nor will it allow any country to violate Thailand’s sovereignty.
3. He called on both sides to continue bilateral negotiations to resolve the boundary problem as this approach would help reduce confrontation and prevent loss of lives. He also added that the Regional Border Committee (RBC) will meet on 15 October 2008 at the working level and then convene in a special meeting in Siem Reap on 21 October 2008.
Prime Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Press Division, Department of Information Tel.(02) 643-5170
Fax. (02) 643-5169 E-mail : div0704@mfa.go.th End.