The Nation (Thailand)
BANGKOK, THAILAND, MAY 24, 2003: The ancient, Hindu-style Preah Vihear Temple will reopen the same day as next weekend’s joint Thai-Cambodian cabinet meeting, Defense Minister General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, said yesterday. “The reopening is expected on May 31, the day both cabinets meet to discuss several matters of bilateral cooperation,” he said. Chavalit said Deputy Prime Minister Chaturon Chaisang would be present when the sole access to the temple in Preah Vihear province, adjacent to Thailand’s Si Sa Ket, is reopened from the Thai side. Citing poor sanitation and polluted water issuing from the Cambodian side, Si Sa Ket authorities had closed off access, blocking all entry to the ancient structure. The opening is also intended to smooth relations between the countries which have become strained due to border disputes over who has claim to certain ancient temples.