Yellow shirts on ICJ

A reader points out an interesting, if alarming, report about the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and a statement it has issued “opposing the ruling of the United Nation’s highest court ordering both Thai and Cambodian troops to withdraw from the disputed area near Preah Vihear temple.”

Sondhi Limthongkul read the group’s statement saying “the July 18 ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) puts Thailand at a disadvantage as Thai troops must withdraw deeper into their own territory despite Cambodian communities, Cambodian-constructed buildings and roads still occupying Thai territory.”

Sondhi said: “Thailand can solve this problem by rejecting the ICJ order, refusing to withdraw its troops, at the same time pushing the Cambodians back to their country and urgently restoring ties, especially with members of the United Nations Security Council.”

Chamlong Srimuang (L) and Sondhi Limthongkul (Reuters photo)

That sounds like a call for war!

Chamlong Srimuang “condemned the army for not doing its duty to protect the country’s sovereignty and urged the troops not to withdraw from the disputed border as ordered by the World Court.”

PAD called on the Puea Thai Party government “to continue protecting the kingdom’s sovereignty.”

Mr Pipob also urged the next government to speed up help for two Thai activists of Thailand Patriots Network, Veera Somkwamkid and Ratree Pipattanapaiboon, both jailed in Cambodia on spying charges, as soon as possible.

A Cambodian court on Feb 1 ruled that the pair were guilty of espionage, illegal entry, and trespassing in a military zone. Mr Veera was sentenced to an eight-year jail term while Ms Ratree was handed a six-year jail term.

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