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Published on July 7, 2007

Cambodia understands the Thai position that there are still unsettled issues, including border demarcation, he said.

Unesco's World Heritage Committee delayed until next year a decision to put the shrine on its list. The decision came after Thailand argued that the Thai-Cambodian border had yet to be demarcated and a joint management plan for the area was still being discussed.

The Thai envoy said Cambodia was well aware that its request had not been rejected but only delayed until next year's meeting. While some Cambodian media wanted to instigate public outcry, the majority of the Khmer people, including the government, understand the matter, he said.

The ambassador reiterated that the Unesco panel had made its decision on the basis that it needed more information and related documents concerning Cambodia's request about Preah Vihear.

The panel asked Cambodia to resubmit its request in February.

Meanwhile a senior officer said the Thai army had closed the entrance to Preah Vihear from Si Sa Ket province, after refusing to abide by a Cambodian order not to wear uniforms when they visited the venue.

The Cambodian side claimed that seeing the Thai military in uniform would affect tourism at the site.

Preah Vihear is technically located in the northernmost tip of Cambodia but is only easily accessible from Thailand's Northeast

Ownership of Preah Vihear temple was disputed by Thailand and Cambodia, and the International Court of Justice awarded it to Cambodia in 1962.

A senior army source said that the Thai army had refused to abide by the Cambodian order, leading to conflict and the closing of the entrance to Preah Vihear.

Nantida Puangthong,

Marisa Chimprabha