18/07/2011
Bangkok Post
There will not be any immediate troop withdrawal from the disputed area around Preah Vihear temple, regardless of the decision due today from the International Court of Justice, Army Region 2 spokesman Prawit Hukaew said on Monday.
Col Prawit commented ahead of the International Court of Justice's scheduled announcement at the Peace Palace in The Hague, due to start at 3pm Thailand time.
The ICJ will rule on Cambodia's request tthat it order Thai troops withdrawn from the disputed area around the ancient temple immediately and unconditionally.
"No matter what the ICJ's ruling is, troops of Army Region 2 will remain in the area [around Preah Vihear] to protect the land and sovereignty of our country.
"The army will wait for instructions from Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha [the national army chief]," the spokesman said.
He said if the court ruled in favour of Cambodia and the Cambodian army attacked the Thai side, the Thai army would be ready to retaliate.
"The number of Thai troops in the area is adequate to deal with any situation that might occur along the Thai-Cambodian border," Col Prawit added.
