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The government will persist in pursuing peaceful means to settle border disputes with Cambodia, with war the very last option, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Monday.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva (left) and his deputy Suthep Thaugsuban
"I do believe that both the Thai and Cambodian governments will adhere to peaceful ways to resolve our border conflicts."My intention of using peaceful approaches to settle the border dispute does not mean that the government is afraid of a war with Cambodia."It is also does not mean that the government is the underdog in dealings with our neighbor, as claimed by the yellow-shirt people group."The use of force will be the last option and will be resorted to only when there is no other solution left," Mr Abhisit said.He stressed that the government is in contact with Cambodia about removing its flag from the disputed area.On the three demands by the yellow-shirt People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), Mr Abhisit said the demands would only lead to more damage to the country, instead of any benefit.“If the government decided to withdraw from Unesco's World Heritage Committee today, there would be no Thai representatives to oppose Cambodia’s plan to also list the area near Preah Vihear temple as a world heritage site.“Would the yellow-shirts accept responsibility for the foreseeable consequences? My decision on the issue is for the benefit of the country, not for self interest,” Mr Abhisit said.
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Red-shirt supporters have expressed dismay over ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's call for them to set aside their anger and frustration over social and legal injustices for the sake of national reconciliation.
Post : 57
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Discussion 18 : 02/02/2011 at 01:40 AM18
Post this to my Facebook
War is not avoidable if Thai Gov + Yellow shirt push to the Cambodia limit. Thai army know their strength; it can't handle the Cambodian army. As record for the last three clashes. Thai army lost all three times.
Post : 7
Discussion 17 : 01/02/2011 at 09:06 PM17
War! It's a joke?
Post : 33
Discussion 16 : 01/02/2011 at 12:00 PM16
The last border war in 1986 with Laos, the Thai army was defeated. In the confrontation on 10 April 2010 with the red-shirts, the Thai army was routed. Now they're considering war against the Cambodian army. I doubt they'll fare any better if this horror comes to pass.
Post : 1,308
Discussion 15 : 01/02/2011 at 09:47 AM15
Again, I am pretty sure this is all a shadow play with a scenario pre-written by the military, Abhisit and a few very powerful people. However they can keep the people hoodwinked and whatever it takes, they will do it. Even a war if that means their fantasy world of keeping Thailand under the yoke for the sake of a privileged few is justifiable.
Post : 2,476
Discussion 14 : 01/02/2011 at 04:48 AM14
Abhisit is playing this as hard as he can to make himself look as if he isn't controlled by the PAD, and to make everyone forget about what happened last April. The more attention the media spends on Cambodia, the less it spends looking inwards at a divided house collapsing on itself.
Post : 41
Discussion 13 : 01/02/2011 at 04:06 AM13
Everyone want peace but if these so call patriots want to start war with Cambodia it would be bad for both country...but Cambodia have an Ace's card. They should sent boat load of their surplus weapon to the insurgent in the south of Thailand and teach them the art guerrilla warfare and bomb making.
Post : 31
Discussion 12 : 01/02/2011 at 02:52 AM12
War is the last option? War for what? For the benefit of the people? For the benefit of human rights? Certainly not. What Mr Abhisit basically says that he would accept war for his own benefit. This man only wants to remain in power. he will do anything that serves its intention, it does not matter how many people might have to die for. Has there not been enough loss of life, Mr Abhisit?
Post : 68
Discussion 11 : 01/02/2011 at 02:51 AM11
Situation in Thailand right now is pure politic. Reluctantly, Cambodia is the subject of deception where the Yellow and the current government are working together for the preparation of the coming election. Right, it might bring the attention to the country. However, people are watching internationally as well. In early Dec. 2010, the issue was resolved regarding the confrontation between the two parties. Now, was it necessary to bring issue back again on Dec. 29, 2010? I strongly agree, it is unnecessary to bring the word "war" into this. Both parties belong to ASEAN and war will never take place. At the current economic growth in Cambodia, Cambodia will not chose the path to go into war. Thailand should focus on restoring its economy as it is currently moving away from the country. As Mr. Prawit Wongsuwon said, we have the same heritage and culture. We should be working together to make Southeast Asia a better place.
Post : 1,714
Discussion 10 : 31/01/2011 at 11:47 PM10
tansri - Bingo, you get the prize. Most don't know that the constitution states in time of war elections can be suspended indefinitely.
Post : 250
Discussion 9 : 31/01/2011 at 11:14 PM9
Why talk about war as the last resort. What is ASEAN membership for? Can't ASEAN help in the issue?
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