Indonesia a 'crucial observer' in dispute
Defence Minister Gen Yutthasak Sasiprapa has done a U-turn on his previous stance about the importance of Indonesian observers in monitoring the Thai-Cambodian demilitarisation of the disputed area.
He conceded yesterday that it was his misunderstanding that the Indonesian observers were not crucial, and since Cambodia had insisted the observers were needed, Thailand had come to realise they were necessary.
The Indonesian observers' roles in the demilitarisation were mentioned in the International Court of Justice's ruling but it was "at the beginning, understood that they were not crucial", Gen Yutthasak said.
After being briefed by officials working in the border areas, he said he had come to realise that the observers were actually needed.
"The observers are crucial because someone has to be there to witness the developments of the demilitarisation and those observers will be good witnesses," Gen Yutthasak said.
"If any side breaks the rules, the observers will then be able to say who is at fault."
The Second Army had already prepared an area at the foot of Pha Mor I Dang cliff to station the Indonesian observers during their mission, Gen Yutthasak said.
Thailand and Cambodia would have to discuss details of the demilitarisation such as what types of security forces would replace the current military troops when both countries withdraw their forces, Gen Yutthasak said.
The defence minister reiterated that it was likely there would be a troop adjustment, not a troop withdrawal.
See also: Yutthasak rocks military boat
Defence Ministry spokesman Thanatip Sawangsaeng said yesterday after the ministry's meeting preparing for the Thai-Cambodian Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting from today to Thursday, that the Thai side had agreed to allow the Indonesian observers to work in the disputed area.
The Thai side of the RBC would also propose to set up a joint committee with Cambodia to take care of the Preah Vihear temple and boost trade between the two countries, Col Thanatip said.
As for the troop adjustment, he said, Thailand would propose replacing border troops with military ranger forces.But in case Cambodia strongly objected this idea, Thailand would then propose using police forces as an alternative to the military rangers, Col Thanatip said.
In Nakhon Ratchasima where the RBC meeting will take place, Second Army spokesman Prawit Hukaeo said the main topics to be discussed at the meeting included a joint promotion of Thai-Cambodian border economy.
Representatives of the two countries will attend the RBC meeting that will be co-chaired by Thai 2nd Army commander Tawatchai Samutsakhon and Cambodia's 4th Army chief Chea Mon.
But troop adjustment has not yet been included on the meeting agenda, Col Prawit said.
The outcome of the meeting is expected to be known by tomorrow.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra had not yet set up plans to visit Cambodia and meet with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Gen Yutthasak said.
It would be most likely for her to begin the trip to Cambodia some time after the next General Border Committee (GBC) meeting. The RBC will first set a discussion framework for the GBC which will hold talks soon afterward in Phnom Penh, Gen Yutthasak said.
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