SA KAEO, Jan 5 -- The Thai Patriots Network activists have dispersed after its team of representatives ended their visit to the disputed border area where seven Thais--including Democrat MP Panich Vikitsreth--were arrested by Cambodian troops last Wednesday, but they plan to intensify their protest at Government House tomorrow.The representatives, led by academic Walwipha Charoonrote and witnesses accompanied by about 30 reporters visited the border area on Sri Pen Road in Khok Sung in Sa Kaeo province for about half an hour.
The area is near Boundary Marker the 46th boundary post where seven Thais were captured by Cambodian soldiers last week.
The network representatives were allowed to visit the area after more than four hours of tense negotiations with Sa Kaeo governor Sanit Naksuksri, and Burapha Task Force commander Maj Gen Walit Rojanapakdi.
They were escorted by soldiers and border patrol police to prevent the group stray off the route while Cambodian troops were standing in a line to observe the situation.
The villagers who opposed the protest by the network gave full cooperation by opening the way, not blocking access as they had done in the afternoon.
Earlier in the day, about 400 'patriots' were confronted by about 200 Ban Nong Jarn villagers who opposed their visit for fear it could cause further trouble for them.
Chaiwat Sinsuwong, a leader of the network, said he was satisfied with what the group had accomplished today and that they would end their demonstration at Sa Kaeo province.
However, he announced the so-called patriots will intensify their rally at Government House by attempting to unseat the government for letting Cambodia to encroach on Thai territory.
The Thailand Patriots Network will gather at Gate Six of Government House on Thursday. (MCOT online news)
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