PM: Malaysia doesn't understand the border conflict

0 * Published: 10/05/2011 at 10:34 AM
* Online news: Security

Malaysia's Deputy Foreign Minister Richard Riot Jaem does not understand the situation on the Thai-Cambodian border and his criticism is misplaced, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Tuesday.

Mr Riot yesterday blamed Bangkok for the clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops along the disputed border near the ancient Preah Vihear temple, and said Thailand "did not adhere to the agreement".

"The Malaysian deputy foreign minister may not understand the border situation because there was a tripartite meeting between Thai, Cambodian and Indonesian foreign ministers last night (May 9) and the issue was settled," Mr Abhisit said.

PM Abhisit Vejjajiva (Photo by Pattanapong Hirunard)

He said Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya would return to Thailand today and would report on the result of the meeting to the cabinet next week.

"Thailand's stance remains the same. If Cambodia doesn't withdraw its troops from the disputed border area, no [Indonesian] observers will be sent there," the prime minister said.

Meanwhile, the 2nd Army command has asked the customs office to slow down the export of fuel and other strategic products to Cambodia that the Cambodian military could use to support their troops in operations against Thai forces along the disputed border.

The go-slow should continue until the border situation really returns to normal, according to the 2nd Army order obtained and published by the local media today.

The order is intended for the customs office at the Chong Chom immigration checkpoint in Surin’s Kap Choeng district.

It asked the customs office to request the cooperation of traders in slowing deliveries of fuel, natural gas and other products which could be used by Cambodian troops opposing the Thai forces.

This morning, the number of Cambodian people crossing the border to buy food products at the Thai fresh market near the Chong Chom checkpoint was lower than normal. The market was only recently re-opened after being closed because of the fighting on the Cambodian border in Surin and Buri Ram.

A number of Thai tourists crossed the frontier into Cambodia today. Most were seen headed to a casino not far away.

Although most shops at another market near the checkpoint have also reopened, the number of both Thai and Cambodian shoppers was not as high as it used to be.