Paris: Thailand will insist that any future Unesco inspection of disputed border temple sites cover both the Thai and Cambodian sides of the frontier, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Saturday.
Mr Anutin said Thailand had conveyed its position to Unesco during talks on Friday, adding that any inspection near the disputed border must include sites on Thai territory to ensure the findings are complete, balanced and accurate.
He was responding to concerns raised by members of the Thai community in France during a meeting at Wat Buddhananachat on Saturday morning.
Mr Anutin said he had raised the issue directly with Unesco director-general Khaled Ahmed El-Enany Ali Ezz the previous day, particularly the possibility that Cambodia could ask the agency to assess damage to a World Heritage temple allegedly affected by recent border clashes.
"If Unesco is invited to inspect the site, it must also survey the Thai side of the border so the information is clear and complete," he said.
Mr Anutin said he was pleased to see overseas Thais closely following developments back home and assured them the government would firmly defend national interests.
"The Thai-Cambodian border checkpoints will remain closed," he said. "Thailand will not allow anyone to violate its sovereignty, threaten its security or take advantage of the country."
He made the remarks after presiding over a Buddhist prayer and merit-making ceremony dedicated to the late Queen Rambhai Barni at the temple, where he also met Thai residents living in France.
Mr Anutin said the trip formed part of activities marking the 170th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and France and described the visit as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties.
Mr Anutin said he would meet French President Emmanuel Macron at a small-group dinner on Monday and hoped the talks would lead to closer economic cooperation and new opportunities for Thailand.
Also on Saturday, Mr Anutin met executives from three Thai companies operating in France -- Thai Union Europe, Indorama Ventures and Mud and Hound -- to discuss opportunities and challenges facing Thai businesses in Europe.
Government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said business representatives urged the government to accelerate negotiations on the Thailand-European Union free trade agreement, saying the pact could reduce EU tariffs on Thai products from as high as 24% to zero and significantly improve Thai exporters' competitiveness.
They also called for stronger support for Thai franchises, particularly Thai restaurants in Europe.
