Kathin in Cambodia

Re: ''About Politics'' (BP, Nov 13), wherein the article ''Vichit gets neighbourly'' raises certain points about this year's Royal Kathin ceremony in Cambodia which need clarifying.

The Foreign Ministry firmly believes that deeply rooted, people-to-people bonds will help enhance mutual understanding and hence overall bilateral relations with other countries. Great effort has thus been made to promote cultural cooperation.

The Royal Kathin Robe Offering Project is one avenue of fostering friendly ties between Thais and other countries through our shared affinity with Buddhism.

This year, the Royal Kathin ceremony in Cambodia organised by the ministry will be held on Nov 19 at the Svey Por-pe Temple. Former Thai ambassador to Cambodia, Poksak Nilubol, who is chairman of the Thailand-Cambodia Friendship Association, has graciously been designated by His Majesty the King to preside over this year's ceremony in Cambodia.

As a rule, in making arrangements for such ceremonies, the ministry _ through the Thai embassy _ coordinates with the government of the receiving country, in choosing the appropriate temple. In this particular case, the choice of the Svey Por-pe Temple was approved by the Cambodian government.

Also, it has been a practice since 2000 that Royal Kathin robes are presented alter nately at Mahanikaya and Dhammayuth temples.