ID :
191675
Wed, 06/29/2011 - 07:59
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/191675
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UTCC: Thai-Cambodian border rows affect AEC
BANGKOK, June 29 (TNA) - A leading Thai academic warned on Wednesday that ongoing problems along the Thai-Cambodian border will directly affect a regional plan to form the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by 2015.
When making the remarks, following Thailand’s decision on June 26 to withdraw from the World Heritage Committee under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Thai academic, Aat Pisalwanich, Director of the International Trade Studies Centre, under the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), said that the Thai move could lead to renewed tension along the Thai-Cambodian border.
Aat insisted he has personally agreed with the Thai government's decision, but cautioning that recurring border problems subsequently will delay the establishment of the AEC among the 10 member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in which Thailand and Cambodia are members, while also affecting cross-border trade and security.
The international trade studies centre chief, therefore, urged the new Thai government, taking office after the forthcoming July 3 elections, to prioritize the issue and to promote public understanding, especially among Thai entrepreneurs, on varied benefits once the AEC is established, including increased economic and social security through rising exports and imports, as well as capital flows and labour movements within the region.
Meanwhile, authorities in Thailand’s northeastern Buri Ram and Ubon Ratchathani Provinces have ordered parties concerned, including local soldiers, police, provincial administrative officials and security volunteers, to intensify security measures, patrols and intelligence activities in their respective areas on the Thai soil bordering Cambodia as a precaution--although the situation along the common border has remained calm so far. (TNA)
When making the remarks, following Thailand’s decision on June 26 to withdraw from the World Heritage Committee under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Thai academic, Aat Pisalwanich, Director of the International Trade Studies Centre, under the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), said that the Thai move could lead to renewed tension along the Thai-Cambodian border.
Aat insisted he has personally agreed with the Thai government's decision, but cautioning that recurring border problems subsequently will delay the establishment of the AEC among the 10 member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in which Thailand and Cambodia are members, while also affecting cross-border trade and security.
The international trade studies centre chief, therefore, urged the new Thai government, taking office after the forthcoming July 3 elections, to prioritize the issue and to promote public understanding, especially among Thai entrepreneurs, on varied benefits once the AEC is established, including increased economic and social security through rising exports and imports, as well as capital flows and labour movements within the region.
Meanwhile, authorities in Thailand’s northeastern Buri Ram and Ubon Ratchathani Provinces have ordered parties concerned, including local soldiers, police, provincial administrative officials and security volunteers, to intensify security measures, patrols and intelligence activities in their respective areas on the Thai soil bordering Cambodia as a precaution--although the situation along the common border has remained calm so far. (TNA)
