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Noppadon was standing next to US Ambassador Eric John at the starting point of the race, witnesses said. The two men co-chaired the opening ceremony of the marathon commemorating the 35th anniversary celebration of the Thai-US relationship.

According to witnesses, the runner shouted "Noppadon, you're a traitor" three time as he ran pass the minister.

The embarassed minister reportedly told Ambassador John, "This can happen in the democratic system."

Noppadon and the government have been strongly criticised by the opposition and the protesters led by People's Alliance for Democracy of having hidden agenda in endorsing Cambodia's bid to list Preah Vihear Temple as a Unesco Heritage Site.