Cambodia and Thailand continue to disagree on the deployment of Indonesian observers to the disputed border area near Preah Vihear temple.

Thailand’s outgoing Prime Minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, said on July 21 that no Indonesian observers would be allowed to enter the disputed border area until Cambodian troops had left.

Vejjajiva underlined that Thailand and Cambodia needed further discussions as both sides still have different positions on some points.

Bangkok also proposed bilateral dialogue before the two sides execute any troop withdrawal at the request of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Earlier on July 20, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister-cum-Foreign Minister, Hor Nam Hong, said that observers of the third party must be dispatched to the disputed area before Cambodia complies with the request of ICJ on troop withdrawal.

He affirmed that Cambodia would withdraw troops as soon as Indonesian observers are present at the disputed area./.