Air Force set to evacuate Thais in Cambodia if tensions rise

Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal Chalit Phukbhasuk said Thursday Royal Thai Air Force aircraft are on standby, prepared to fly out Thai nationals living in Cambodia if tensions flare over the disputed Thai-Cambodian border at the ancient Preah Vihear temple.

Meanwhile, over a hundred carloads of People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) activists attempting to demonstrate at the controversial temple early Thursday were prevented by police and military personnel from traveling to the site, being stopped outside the perimetre established some 10 kilometres from the site.

"If the situation worsens, the Air Force can assist on a 24-hour basis and can lift out Thai nationals to repatriate them within one hour. Officials are now well prepared for the operation," ACM Chalit said.

He said concerned Thai security officials -- including Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej who also serves as defence minister, military commanders, the supreme commander and the permanent secretary for defence -- have conducted an ongoing discussion on ways to defuse the tensions.

Referring to a plan by members and supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), an anti-government group, to protest at Preah Vihear on Thursday, ACM Chalit said that the people have the right to express their opinions but they "must be based on the truth" and that protesters must strictly follow orders issued by officials.

He said the PAD members and supporters, however, should refrain from intruding into the disputed area because it is dangerous.

ACM Chalit's remarks were made following reports that both Thailand and Cambodia had reinforced their troops at and near the competing claims to the approaches to the historic Preah Vihear temple, listed by UNESCO earlier this month as a World Heritage Site.

Both countries historically laid claim to the 11th century temple, which now sits on Cambodian soil following the action of the International Court of Justice which awarded the ancient temple to Cambodia in 1962. However, the temple can practicably only be accessed from Thailand.

However, the exact demarcation of the border around the ruins remains in contention.

The security situation around the temple deteriorated after three Thais, including a Buddhist monk, were briefly detained by Cambodian soldiers after surrepticiously crossing into the disputed border area on Tuesday. The trio were released the same day but refused to leave the 4.6 square kilometre disputed area adjoining the temple complex.

Thailand first issued a warning that travel to the vicinity of the temple be avoided, but later closed off access altogether within 10 kilometres of the temple.

Meanwhile, Si Sa Ket's provincial governor closed a nearby park on Wednesday, citing security concerns.

The park is expected to be reopened when tensions ease. (TNA)