Cambodian governor visits Thai border

BANGKOK, March 11 (TNA) - A Cambodian delegation, led by Preah Vihear governor Um Mara, visited the Thai border province of Si Sa Ket on Sunday, and held talks with the provincial governor Prateep Kiratirekha on ways to boost trade, investment and tourism across the border. Both sides also held unofficial talks at Mr. Prateep’s office on ways to solve the two countries’ border problem which would benefit their peoples. Mr. Um Mara reportedly told his Thai counterpart that his visit to Si Sa Ket was aimed at making acquaintance with Mr. Prateep who has been recently appointed governor of the province and to strengthen relations between the two provinces. He also invited Mr. Prateep and Si Sa Ket officials and businessmen to visit Preah Vihear province. During the talks, Mr. Prateep reportedly asked Mr. Um Mara to prevent Cambodian people in Preah Vihear and Oddar Meancheay provinces situated just across his province from illegally crossing the ill-defined border or cutting Payoong or other valuable woods in the area. He said both sides should help conserve dwindling valuable woods in the area. Both Cambodia and Thailand have claimed the ancient Preah Vihear temple for decades. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) awarded it to Cambodia in 1962 and the ruling has rankled in Thailand ever since. (TNA)