Cambodians prefer Thai baht on concerns over ICJ ruling Nov 11

BANGKOK, November 8 (TNA) - Three days before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) rules on a disputed land near the ancient Preah Vihear Temple along the Thai-Cambodian border, a number of Cambodians have decided to exchange their currency, riel, with the Thai baht on concerns over, probably, negative impacts in border areas in the wake of the ICJ's verdict on November 11. Currency exchange shops in Soi Dao and Pong Nam Ron districts in Chantaburi province in the Thai East bordering Cambodia are enjoying their brisk business after Cambodian people have decided to sell the riel for the Thai baht. Because of the rising demand for the Thai baht, the exchange rate on Friday is 100 baht per 12,700 riel, compared to 100 baht against 12,000 riel earlier this week. Despite worries over the ICJ's ruling next Monday, Cambodian workers have crossed the Thai territory for work as usual and the general situation along the common border has, thus, remained normal. However, at least one border school in Kantharalak district of Si Sa Ket province in the Thai Northeast, just opposite the ancient Preah Vihear Temple, has announced a temporary closure of classes next Monday and Tuesday for the sake of safety of teachers, parents and students. Meanwhile, police have installed concrete barriers in front of the Cambodian Embassy in Bangkok and provided tight security round-the-clock to prevent ill-intentioned persons from creating troublesome there although there has been no untoward incident at the embassy so far. The Hague-based ICJ in 1962 awarded Preah Vihear Temple to Cambodia, but a 4.6-square kilometre-scrub surrounding the ancient temple has remained in dispute ever since, prompting Phnom Penh to have asked the World Court to rule on the disputed area. (TNA)