Prayuth raises rhetoric on Preah Vihear ruling

Published: 31 Jan 2013 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

The ongoing military exercises near the Thai-Cambodian borders give the impression that tensions over the long-standing Preah Vihear temple (known in Thai as Wat Khao Phra Viharn) dispute are escalating.

A file photo taken in 1962 shows a group of senior Thai officials posing in front of a sign stating ‘Beyond this point lies the vicinity of Wat Khao Phra Viharn’, next to the temple’s stairs.

This is because this year's drills, while being an annual affair, are noticeably comprehensive involving troops from several units, from infantry, cavalry, artillery and special task forces as well as those from an engineer tank battalion.

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nokor
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Discussion 5 : 08 Feb 2013 at 19.295
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If the ICJ rules in favor of Cambodia and Thailand starts war with Cambodia, Thailand will end up losing more.

Cambodia is more experienced with war.
Khmer rouge soldiers are among military force. They are not "afraid" to die.

Hun Sen and Cambodia are like sleeping tigers.

No matter what happen, I hope both countries with respect the ICJ's ruling.
I hate to see Cambodia forced into another war.

I hate to see Thai people go through what Khmer went through.
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DonAleman
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Discussion 4 : 31 Jan 2013 at 22.364
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The compelling question is - Why hasn't the Defense Minister and/or
the PM told this fellow to say " no comment " and refer any media
questions to the Minister ?
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peterl
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Discussion 3 : 31 Jan 2013 at 18.383
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Unbelievable that Thailand is making so much fuss over just 4.6 sq km of disputed territory or that Prayuth should raise the prospect of war if the ICJ judgement does not favour Thailand. Who authorized him to say that? Instead of trying to make Goverment policy, he should show greater respect for the fact that his job is to implement it. If he wants to have responsibilty for formulating policy, he should resign his commission and stand for election like anybody else.
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oudom
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Discussion 2 : 31 Jan 2013 at 13.072
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how so?.. Mr.Prayuth says, I respect the court if the ruling favorable for Thailand then we don't need to go to war with the Cambodia, but then if the decision or the ruling were to go the other way that when the war will break out. the pressure keep mounting for the judges that might affect their decision. if so, to be fair the court may just ask the United Nation Security Council to back up or help to enforce their decision. you don't threatening the ICJ that way, remember Thailand under the obligation to obey the ICJ's order, because under United Nation Charter this law apply to all its members,unless Thailand is not one of them.
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jck
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Discussion 1 : 31 Jan 2013 at 09.361
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Tensions will continue to rise around the Preah Vihear issue as long as Prayuth even mentions the possibility of war. War games, beloved by all military world wide are just an excuse the big boys long for to play with their very dangerous toys and waste huge amounts of money. Prayuth would gain more respect if he devised a practical strategy to deal with the daily killings by terrorists in the South.
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Prayuth raises rhetoric on Preah Vihear ruling | Bangkok Post: opinion