Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat said yesterday he believes
negotiations with the Cambodian government aimed at settling border disputes
between the two neighboring countries are now possible and that there is no need
to ask ASEAN for help in mediation.
Somchai made the remarks in Thailand's northeastern province of Si Sa Ket
when he visited soldiers wounded in gun fight with Cambodia on Wednesday around
disputed area near Preah Vihear temple, according to the Thai News Agency.
Somchai said Thailand and Cambodia shared the same idea that differences
could be settled through negotiations as the two countries are neighbors.
Negotiations are expected to be held soon, said Somchai.
Thailand's Second Army Chief Lt-Gen. Wibulsak Neepal was scheduled to lead
Thai delegates for bilateral talks at Cambodia's Siem Reap province next
Wednesday and Thursday.
Somchai said that Thailand has never trespassed on other countries'
territories and the two countries agreed to hold talks under the agreed-upon
mechanisms to settle the border disputes.
