Hun Sen to visit disputed border: Thai Deputy PM

BANGKOK, Feb5 (TNA) - Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban on Friday reaffirmed that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen will visit the disputed border areas near the ancient Preah Vihear temple this weekend, while the Thai foreign ministry said the Cambodian premier cannot enter the overlapping area claimed by both countries without informing Thailand.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva earlier chaired a meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) to discuss various issues including Mr Hun Sen's plan to visit the border areas on February 6 and 7.

The Thai deputy premier said that the security agency initially instructed governors and the Second Army Area commander to take care of the Cambodian premier and oversee the situation.

When asked whether Mr Hun Sen's visit is related to the recent moves of the anti-government groups attempting to incite violence, Mr Suthep declined to comment on the issue, but said that Thailand will inform Cambodia to avoid any problem along the border, because it would affect the lives of local residents.

Mr Suthep said that the Cambodian premier plans to visit three or four areas near the disputed zone and that he has warned Cambodia over possible intensified conflict following the visit.

The Thai deputy premier also urged activist Veera Somkwamkid, who earlier announced that he will lead Thai nationalists to the Preah Vihear temple protesting Mr Hun Sen's visit, not to make the situation more complicated.

The deputy premier said that it is the responsibility of the government to solve the Thai-Cambodian border conflict. If many parties get involved, the situation can intensify.

Meanwhile, Chavanont Intarakomalyasut, secretary to the Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs, said on Friday that the Thai foreign ministry has been informed of Mr Hun Sen's visit in the areas near the Ta Muan Thom and Preah Vihear temples.

Mr Chavanont said there is no problem if Mr Hun Sen visits within Cambodian soil, but he cannot enter the 4.6 sq km border area claimed by both countries where Thai and Cambodian troops have been deployed if he does not inform Thailand.

"We're not worried because the Thai government has handled the issue under the law. Security personnel are on standby in every area and they are ready to control situation along the Thai-Cambodian border," said Mr Chavanont.

Following news reports on Hun Sen's visit this weekend, Thai soldiers along the border in Kantararak district of Si Sa Ket province stepped up security measures, while a number of army personnel are on standby to maintain order.

Second Army Area commander Lt-Gen Veevarit Chornsamrit said that he will meet with Cambodian deputy supreme commander Chea Dara Friday afternoon to discuss Mr Hun Sen's security plan.

Gen Veevarit said the Cambodian premier will preside at the opening ceremony of a village in a Cambodian border town and may visit Cambodian troops stationed along the border.

There's no report that Thailand's convicted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra will travel with Mr Hun sen as rumours have intimated, said Gen Veevarit.