Thailand's new foreign minister to lead border dispute talks with Cambodia

Thailand named a new foreign minister Saturday and assigned him the delicate task of resolving a military standoff at an ancient temple near the border with Cambodia that led to his predecessor's resignation. Tej Bunnag, a career diplomat who has served as ambassador to the United States, France and China, was formally named foreign minister after King Bhumibol Adulyadej approved the appointment Saturday, national radio and television reported. His first mission comes Monday when he will fly to Cambodia for talks aimed at resolving a tense dispute over land claimed by both countries near the 11th century Preah Vihear temple, Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said. Tensions between the two countries over the 1.8 square miles (4.6 square kilometers) of land intensified earlier this month after UNESCO approved a Cambodian... [read full story]