Cambodia reinforcing troops near Surin: Thai military

Cambodia reinforcing troops near Surin: Thai military

July 2, 2011
The Nation

Troops and weapons of the Cambodian army have been reinforced in border areas not far from Ta Kwai and Ta Muen Thom ancient temples in Surin province, prompting fears over a new round of border fighting in the wake of Thailand's withdrawal from the World Heritage Commission.

Seven units of formidable M21 multiple rocket launchers are employed in addition to a number of them already at the ready at Ta Kwai temple, while new troops are mobilised at Ta Muen Thom, Thai military sources said.

Evacuations and emergency drills have been conducted at many schools in Surin and border provinces on a weekly basis while many schools have asked for more shelters.

[Thailand] Post-election scenario has investors wary

July 2, 2011
By Nophakhun Limsamarnphun
The Nation

A chaotic outcome is expected as a result of tomorrow's general election in which about 35 million Thais are expected to cast their votes.

The voter turnout is likely to be no less than the 74 per cent recorded in the last poll nearly four years ago.

According to Kasikornbank's research, investors should prepare for the worst outcome because political conflicts are unlikely to fade away regardless of which major party wins this election. A new round of political rallies will happen as soon as the conflict resumes. At this stage there are at least three sensitive issues facing the country.

First, there will be a heated debate whether the new Parliament should grant amnesty to 111 and 105 former party executives currently banned from directly engaging in political activities. Fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra is among these former politicians, and he has also been sentenced to a two-year jail-term for abuse of power. Pro-amnesty groups have suggested that such a move would represent a settlement of previous political conflicts. On the other hand, there will likely be fierce opposition from other groups to such a move, especially with regard to Thaksin's criminal cases. According to the research, it is possible there will be street protests against this plan if it is presented to the new Parliament.

Second, it is speculated that there could be extra-constitutional measures taken against the election outcome. Unless a single party wins more than 251 seats in the 500-member House, there could be military and judicial intervention. In addition, mass demonstrations will challenge any extra-constitutional move.

Third, the Thai-Cambodian conflict could also lead to mass demonstrations as the next government will have to make a crucial decision on the Preah Vihear Temple issue after Thailand expressed its intention to withdraw from the World Heritage Convention (WHC). An official withdrawal process will take about 12 months. There has already been heated debate on the pros and cons of WHC withdrawal after the caretaker Abhisit government expressed its support for the move.