Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has told Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti to set up a working panel to lobby the World Heritage Committee to support Thailand's stance on the Preah Vihear temple issue, a source at the cabinet meeting says.
The source said Mr Suwit, who heads the Thai delegation to the WHC meeting, told the cabinet meeting that Thailand had sought a postponement of the plan because some conditions are unacceptable to Thailand.
Accepting the conditions could affect Thailand's bid to oppose the Preah Vihear management plan, Mr Suwit told the cabinet meeting.
The cabinet also told Mr Suwit to use clear and proper wording when explaining the stance to the WHC, the source said.
Acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn yesterday said Mr Suwit told the cabinet meeting that Unesco has shown increased inclination to listen to Thailand's opinions.
Mr Panitan said Mr Abhisit said it was the first time in two years that Unesco had backed Thailand's stance on the issue.
Mr Panitan said Mr Suwit told the cabinet that Unesco director-general Irina Bokova will find ways to end the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia even though negotiations between the two countries had yet to yield results.
A Unesco-organised meeting held on Thursday and Friday last week in Paris ended in deadlock when Cambodia opposed Thailand's move for a postponement.
The management plan has been placed on the agenda of the WHC's session on June 19-29 in Paris.
Thailand was able to convince Unesco to postpone consideration by the WHC of the management plan issue during the 35th WHC meeting on June 19-29 until border demarcation work is completed. However, it failed to persuade Cambodia to agree.
Cambodia insists on its right to table the management plan at the meeting.
Mr Panitan said Mr Suwit told the cabinet meeting that Thailand and Cambodia need to hold more talks to reach an agreement over the management plan for the disputed 4.6-square-kilometre area around Preah Vihear before the WHC meeting, when the plan is set for its official review.
Mr Suwit yesterday said after the cabinet meeting that he had informed the cabinet of the obstacles to the management plan talks, and Cambodia's opposition to Thailand's request of the postponement had stalled the talks.
However, Mr Suwit said he will fly to Paris about a day or two ahead of the WHC's June 19-29 session to discuss the issue with members of the WHC.
Bangkok Post
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