Thai Foreign Minister: No Cambodian Waters Closure

The Foreign Affairs Minister insisted that Cambodia is not sealing off its territorial waters to Thai fishing boats, as claimed by the Pheu Thai party.

Thai and Cambodian Defense Ministries are set to discuss the issue in the next few days.

Foreign Affairs Minister Kasit Piromya has dismissed a claim that Cambodia is sealing off its territorial waters against Thai fishing boats.

He added that Thailand's Defense Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan will discuss the issue with his Cambodian counterpart General Tea Banh in Pattaya.

As for a problem with Thai boats being unable to enter Cambodian seas, Kasit explained that this is because Thai businessmen's fishing licenses have not been renewed, and Cambodia has recently revamped administration along its 4 coastal provinces.

He believes it will take some time to resolve the issue.

He added that Thai boats are not the only vessels barred from entering Cambodian waters: other countries' boats are experiencing the same problem.

Kasit reprimanded the Pheu Thai Party for circulating the claim.

He also stated that he believes the pro-Thaksin party just wanted to instigate turmoil.

Concerning the Thai engineer imprisoned in Phnom Penh for allegedly spying on Thaksin's flight details, Kasit said that Thai authorities are trying to help the man. He said a team of lawyers are now in Cambodia and the result will be known soon.

25 November 2009
Thai-ASEAN News Network