Demonstration planned at Cambodian Embassy over border dispute

Protesters will rally in front of the Cambodian Embassy, on Pracha Uthit Road in Bangkok tomorrow, to express their determination to protect Thailand’s territorial integrity amidst increasing border tensions with Cambodia.

On the Facebook page of the “Student and People's Network for Thailand Reform”, the group urged the public to join the rally and demonstrate their loyalty to the motherland.

Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have escalated following a clash between troops from both countries in a disputed area in Ubon Ratchathani’s Nam Yuen district on May 28, which resulted in the death of a Cambodian sergeant.

While Thailand has expressed its intention to resolve the dispute through existing bilateral mechanisms, Cambodia has vowed to take the case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.

Cambodian leaders, former Prime Minister Hun Sen and his son and current Prime Minister Hun Manet, have claimed that the disputed area belongs to Cambodia.

Thailand, however, maintains that the area is a no-man’s land within an un-demarcated zone.

Earlier today, hundreds of protesters led by the Network marched to the Thai Army Headquarters to express their support and boost the morale of Thai soldiers, whom they praised for bravely defending the country.

They criticised the Thai government for being too lenient in handling the issue, accusing it of lacking firmness, due to close ties between former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, father of the current prime minister, and Hun Sen.

Representatives of the group submitted a letter of support to the Army, which was received by Army spokesperson Winthai Suvaree.

Winthai stated that the Army will do its utmost to handle the matter through the current mechanisms. He also expressed gratitude to the public for their support.

The protesters then proceeded to the Defence Ministry, where they submitted a letter addressed to the Defence Minister, whom they accused of failing to instil public confidence in the government’s commitment to defending national sovereignty.