Cambodia talks first task for Yutthasak

Newly-appointed Defence Minister Yutthasak Sasiprapha says solving the Thai-Cambodian conflict is his top priority.

"I am determined to settle the conflict between the two nations as soon as possible. This should be the first matter I accomplish as the defence minister," he said yesterday.

"Once the conflict is solved, I can move on to other missions," he said.

Gen Yutthasak said he would visit Cambodia as soon as possible to attend General Border Committee meeting.

Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Banh earlier said Phnom Penh would host the next GBC meeting.

"I'm now waiting for an invitation from Phnom Penh," Gen Yutthasak said.

A source said Gen Yutthasak had asked Gen Wichit Yathip, a former deputy army chief, to work with the Cambodian side as he has close ties with its troops.

Meanwhile, Surin's Chong Jom border point is doing business as usual after the two countries agreed to hold a Regional Border Committee( RBC) on Aug 23 and 24 in Nakhon Ratchasima. The RBC meeting is to discuss the two countries' troop withdrawal from areas around the Preah Vihear temple and the demilitarised zone ordered by the International Court of Justice.