Supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) scuffle with riot police during a march along a highway leading to the 900-year-old Preah Vihear temple, along the Cambodian border September 19, 2009. Hundreds of protesters marched to the disputed Thai-Cambodia area of Preah Vihear to demand for the return of the 11th century temple area to Thailand. REUTERS/Stringer (THAILAND POLITICS CONFLICT) THAILAND OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN THAILAND
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva expressed concerns on Saturday over a report that yellow-shirted protesters clashed with Si Sa Ket people on their way to Preah Vihear Temple.
He said he did not want to see Thais clash among themselves.
Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban is already assigned to handle the matter, Abhisit said.
The prime minister was speaking after yellow shirted protesters clash with local villagers in Si Sa Ket on Saturday before managing to go nearer to the entrance of Preah Vihear Temple.
Thai TV reported that the clash which took place at about 1.40pm left many villagers injured.
The protesters who are members of People's Alliance for Democracy planned to march to the entrance of the temple to demand for the Khmers to move out of the disputed areas.
The clash happened as many local villagers did not agree with the protest, viewing it would damage the country's repuation as well as economic and relations with neighbouring country.
They formed a blockage on a road which is leading to the park near the temple. Anti-riot police who are in full gear also set up barricades.
The Thai TV reporter reported that the blockage is the last stop and now that the protesters could break it, they are now marching to the temple.
No comments:
Post a Comment