Thailand Is Waiting For Appropriate Time To Talk With Cambodia – Suthep

August 05, 2010 15:47 PM
Source: BERNAMA

BANGKOK, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said that Thailand is now waiting for an ‘appropriate time’ to hold talks with itsneighbouring Cambodia over the Preah Vihear temple dispute, Thai News Agency said Thursday.

“The talks could be held later when both nations are more calm, and that is why Thailand did not reserve the right to begin talks,” he said when asked to comment on Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva’s statement on Wednesday.

Abhisit said he was ready to assign his deputy Suthep Thaugsuban to hold talks with Cambodia on the Preah Vihear dispute if the Khmer leadership gives a positive signal for negotiation.

Tension between Thailand and Cambodia rose after the Thai government’s delegation objected to Cambodia’s unilateral management plan of the ancient temple as the two neighbours could find no common ground to settle the disputed 4.6 sq km of land adjacent to the temple which was granted world heritage status in 2008.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) through its World Heritage Commission (WHC) consequently last week postponed its discussion of the plan until next year when it meets in Bahrain.

On another issue, Suthep urged civil groups to refrain from rallying under a state of emergency.