Cambodia’s case against 7 Thai nationals tonight ,Prime Minister

BANGKOK, January 23 2011 (NNT)- During his weekly radio show “Confidence in Thailand with Prime Minister Abisit,” the Prime Minister said he was going to report on the case against the 7 Thai nationals apprehended in Cambodia at 8.30 p.m. tonight.

The Prime Minister also said that the government would press ahead and help the two remaining Thais: Mr. Veera Somkwamkid and Ms Ratree Pipattanapaiboon. Mr. Abisit later reassured the public that the sovereignty of Thailand and the rights of Thai people will be protected.

Regarding the stone tablet bearing the message offensive to Thai people and troops near the Preah Vihear Temple, the Thai Army has confirmed it has already contacted its Cambodian counterpart to remove it.

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rime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva affirmed the Government ‘s stance on protecting Thailand’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in dealing with border encroachment by the Thai and Cambodian people on both sides of the border.

Speaking in a special report on the case of border incident involving Bangkok MP Panich Vikitsej Sunday evening, Mr Abhisit explained how Mr Panich and 6 other Thais were skirting the ad hoc boundary line still in dispute between the two countries. The controversial site still has to be jointly surveyed and demarcated in line with the Thai-Cambodian MOU 2000.

In his explanation, an aerial map was used to explain the area. The Prime Minister said such a dispute was normal along the border, with dozens of disputed area still to be settled. Thus, the call for the annulment of MOU 2000 cannot be complied with, as there would be no longer an agreement adhered to by both countries, and turmoil could follow.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the Cambodian court’s verdict had no bearing on the boundaries between Thailand and Cambodia. At present, the verdict’s translation is awaited and an official protest can be launched from the Thai side. He pleaded that all patriotic Thais consider the issue with reasons and raise the issue with the Government in earnest. He himself and his Government would be willing to explain, as they have no reasons to make any concessions to the Cambodian Government over the common borders.