"We neither have any intention to threaten nor intrude militarily into Cambodian territory as earlier claimed by Cambodian authorities" - Chavanond Intarakomalyasut, another Thai tongue-twisterBANGKOK, Aug 13 (Bernama) -- An aide to the Thai Foreign Minister on Friday asserted that the Thai-Cambodian territorial dispute can be resolved through bilateral mechanisms, without third party intervention, Thai News Agency (TNA) reported.
Chavanond Intarakomalyasut made the statement after Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Thursday announced that he would ask United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to mediate with Thailand over the 4.6 sq km area adjacent to the ancient Preah Vihear temple, which is claimed by both countries.
The secretary to the foreign minister confirmed that bilateral discussions on the disputed area are already in progress.
Currently, Thai officials are awaiting a joint parliamentary meeting to approve three documents agreed by Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), according to TNA.
After the approval, he said, the officials will schedule the next JBC meeting. Its primary agenda item is setting up the sixth working group on a joint land survey for border demarcation.
"Thailand will settle the border row with the neighbouring country through talks," TNA quoted Chavanond as saying.
"We neither have any intention to threaten nor intrude militarily into Cambodian territory as earlier claimed by Cambodian authorities."
The foreign minister's secretary said the Thai-Cambodian dispute is a bilateral problem.
In the General Assembly meeting in New York in September, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will clarify the issue to the UN Secretary-General for an improved understanding before Ban's official visit to Cambodia from Oct 27-28.
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