Security tightened at Thai PM’s house in wake of planned rally over Preah Vihear case

BANGKOK, October 27 (TNA) - Security around the residence of Thai Prime Minister and Defence Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is extremely tight Sunday following reports that a group of people would march there to demand her not to accept the ruling to be given by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on vicinity surrounding the ancient Preah Vihear temple contested by Thailand and neighbouring Cambodia. Police said security at Miss Yingluck’s residence is tight after they have heard that Chaiwat Sinsuwong and members of his Thai Patriots Network plan to gather in front of her residence on the outskirts of Bangkok. They plan to pressure the premier not to accept the ruling which will be issued by the Hague-based ICJ on November 11 on the 4.6 sq.km. of scrub near the temple contested by the two countries. ICJ ruled in 1962 that the Preah Vihear temple belongs to Cambodia, but surrounding land remains in dispute. The Phnom Penh government has asked the court to rule on the disputed land. Suporn Attawong, deputy secretary-general to the prime minister, said he would neither travel to Miss Yingluck’s residence nor accept a letter from Mr. Chaiwat because he considers the movement rather inappropriate while the issue is also sensitive. Meanwhile, Prompong Nopparit, spokesman of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, urged Mr. Chaiwat or core leaders of his movement to submit a complaint letter at the Government House. Prime Minister Yingluck and the government are sincere in fighting for the disputed territory, said Mr. Prompong. The planned marching by the activist group would occur as Thai Foreign Affairs Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul is scheduled to confer with his Cambodian counterpart Hor Namhong on Monday on preparations to be made by the two countries after the ruling is given by ICJ. (TNA)