On 17 December 2009, Ms. Francoise Riviere, Assistant Director-General for Culture of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya to exchange views on the inscription of Phra Viharn Temple as a World Heritage site and cooperation between Thailand and UNESCO.
Ms. Riviere was of the view that the inscription of Phra Viharn temple as a World Heritage site was aimed to preserve an invaluable arts and culture historical site, and there should not be any political issues involved.
Foreign Minister Kasit reiterated Thailand’s position on the matter that it was necessary to wait until the negotiations between Thailand and Cambodia over the border demarcation was completed. After that, the two countries could work together to the next step of planning the development of the areas adjacent to the Temple. He also took this opportunity to discuss on cooperation between Thailand and UNESCO in resolving the matter.
For further information, please contact the Press Division, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel.02-6435170, Fax.02-6435169, E-mail: div0704@mfa.go.th