Thai-Cambodian border situation closely monitored pending Preah Vihear case at ICJ

BANGKOK, April 15 (TNA) - An army of journalists is closely monitoring updates along the Thai-Cambodian border in Kantharalak District of Thailand’s northeastern Si Sa Ket Province, as Thai and Cambodian legal teams are scheduled to start delivering their oral statements on a case related to the ancient Preah Vihear Temple before The Hague-based International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Monday afternoon. Atmosphere in areas along the Thai-Cambodian border has reportedly remained normal, as local villagers have continued their normal life. The locals in the Thai side told journalists that they were not concerned over the case, as they believed the Thai government will take appropriate actions to guarantee public and national interest. Meanwhile, business operators and villagers in Chantaburi Province in the Thai East bordering Cambodia are also following up updates of the case. Sombat Jungtrakul, Vice President of the Association of Thai-Cambodian Border Trade and Tourism in Chantaburi, acknowledged that border trade in Chantaburi has remained normal although it is not so active now that Cambodian workers return to their homeland to celebrate the ongoing Songkran festival with their families. (TNA)