Thailand to maintain peace along Thai-Cambodian border

BANGKOK, October 17 (TNA) - Prime Minister and Defence Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has promised to protect national interest and to maintain peace along the Thai-Cambodian border, no matter how the International Court of Justice (ICJ) rules on a Preah Vihear Temple-related case next month. Yingluck's confirmation on Thursday morning was in response to the ICJ's announcement on October 15 that it will rule on the case, in which Cambodia earlier asked it to clarify the ownership of a plot of land surrounding the ancient Hindu temple, on November 11. Yingluck stressed that Thailand will do everything to maintain peace along the Thai-Cambodian border and Cambodia has announced that it also wants to see peace along the common border. Yingluck also insisted that her government will solve unsettled issues with Cambodia through negotiations and will adhere to peaceful solutions to follow the Hague-based World Court’s verdict; while promising to Thai people that her administration will do the best to protect national interest. Meanwhile, General Nipat Thonglek, Permanent Secretary for Defence, noted that the Thai premier does not have to go to the ICJ to listen to the ruling by herself. Regarding order along the Thai-Cambodian border, Thai security authorities are scheduled to discuss relevant issues at a meeting on October 21, to be chaired by the prime minister. (TNA)