On 15 October 2008, Mr. Sompong Amornvivat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, gave a press briefing regarding the Thai-Cambodia border issue. Gist as follows:
1. The DPM/FM said that, during the morning of 15 October 2008, Mr. Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, had telephoned him to express concern over the Thai-Cambodian border issue. Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong though expressed appreciation for the statement by Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat on 14 October 2008, that Thailand would never violate the sovereignty of a neighbouring country, that it would not be the first to resort to the use of force, and that Thailand was determined to resolve its boundary problem with Cambodia through bilateral diplomatic negotiations. Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong also expressed hope that both foreign ministers would be able to meet soon to further discuss the border issue.
2. In this connection, the DPM/FM told the press that he also would like to meet with Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong to resolve the border issue. However, to ensure further progress during their talks, the Royal Thai Government would have to first seek approval from Parliament for a negotiating framework. As this negotiating framework has already been submitted to Parliament for its consideration, the DPM/FM would try to seek Parliament’s co-operation in ensuring its expeditious consideration.
3. Following the incident on 6 October 2008 during which two Thai paratroopers stepped on landmines and lost their legs, the DPM/FM said that subsequent investigations indicate that new landmines had been deployed in the area. The said landmines were of a type not used by the Thai side. In this connection, further details would be announced during a briefing for members of the diplomatic corps and the press on 16 October 2008.
4. In response to a question about the need to evacuate Thai nationals presently in Cambodia, the DPM/FM said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Thai military already have a plan in place should the need arise. For the moment, though, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had already advised Thais planning to visit Cambodia to reconsider their travel needs and for those presently in Cambodia to consider returning.
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.