PAD Network Urges Govt to Clarify Preah Vihear Land Dispute

TAN/Network
http://www.thailandoutlook.tv/tan

7 September 2009

Members of the People's Alliance for Democracy in Ubon Ratchathani Province have come out to urge the government to clarify the alleged loss of sovereignty over the disputed 4.6-square kilometer area in the vicinity of Preah Vihear Temple to Cambodia.

Supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy, or PAD, in Ubon Ratchathani issued a statement, acknowledging their support for the group led by Weera Somkwamkid in travelling to the disputed 4.6-square kilometer area on the Thai and-Cambodian border on August 28.

Weera's group claimed the government's negligence has allowed Cambodian troops, monks and people to take control of the area.

The group claimed evidence indicated that Thailand has obviously lost its right over the disputed area to Cambodia and that the Thai government remains inactive and appears to be supporting Cambodia's actions.

In this regard, they have called on the government to assign the Defence Ministry to take action over encroachment on the area in order to preserve the country's sovereignty. The government has also been asked to urgently clarify the issue to the public.

PAD coordinator for Ubon Ratchathani, Thatsanee Bunprasit, said the group has organized the Tonkla Prachatipatai', or Sprouts of Democracy, program to explain key political and democratic issues to high-school and university students nationwide. She added installation of ASTV satellite dishes in the province is also part of the program.