Thai Premier: No Need for ASEAN To Help Resolve Border Issue With Cambodia

Bangkok 7 February 2011 -- National News Bureau of Thailand

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has said that it is not necessary for ASEAN to step in and resolve the border demarcation issue between Thailand and Cambodia, citing his belief that the negotiations set forth by the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) are already efficient.

Following the proposal by Secretary General of ASEAN Dr. Surin Pitsuwan for ASEAN involvement in the land feud, Mr. Abhisit said since the bilateral talks have already been ongoing, there is no need for ASEAN to lend a helping hand. However, he added that the organization can make a request for any updates on the talks.

The Prime Minister further stated that foreign ministers from both countries have already entered the negotiation round as stated under the JBC's frame work. According to him, the tensions have now subsided and it is considered not important at this stage that the leaders of both nations are required to enter the talk by themselves.