Thai protesters blocked from disputed temple

By Nopporn Wong-Anan

KANTARALAK, Thailand, July 17 (Reuters) - Thai police and angry local villagers blocked a convoy of nationalist Thai protesters on Thursday from reaching a disputed ancient temple on the country's border with Cambodia.

A political uproar in Thailand over the issue has raised fears the spat could turn into a major diplomatic row five years after a dispute over another Cambodian temple, Angkor Wat, resulted in a nationalist mob torching the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh.

"Go home, go home, you troublemakers!," one woman shouted at members of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), an anti-government group that planned a rally at the Preah Vihear temple to protest its listing as a World Heritage site.

The 900-year-old Hindu temple has been a source of tension for decades since the International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that Preah Vihear belonged to Cambodia, a decision that still rankles Thais.

The latest flare-up -- which has seen a buildup of troops on both sides of the border -- was triggered by Bangkok's support for the UNESCO listing, which government critics said was tantamount to selling out Thailand's heritage.

Scores of riot police and 300 villagers blocked the PAD convoy of 20 cars and minibuses about 11 kms from the temple, which sits on a jungle-clad escarpment that forms a natural boundary between the two countries.

"These people have been mobilised by local businessmen who have interests in Cambodia," PAD leader Veera Somkwamkit said as his group negotiated with police to pass through the blockade.

Prasert Aramsrivorapong, chief of the Kantaralak district where the villagers live, said the PAD had no right to stir up trouble on the border.

"Soldiers are dealing with the problem at the temple. We don't want these people to cause any trouble," Prasert said.

Thailand and Cambodia have accused each other of border violations and sent more troops since tensions flared on Tuesday when three Thai activists were briefly detained by the Cambodians for trying to plant a Thai flag at the temple.

Despite the aggressive rhetoric from both sides of the border, diplomatic efforts appear to be underway to end the stand-off.

A joint border committee, set up years ago to resolve disputes between the fractious southeast Asian nations, will meet on Monday "so that both sides can discuss issues together in a spirit of neighbourliness," the Thai Foreign Ministry said.

Thailand's initial support for the temple's heritage listing has been used by the PAD to stoke nationalist fervour and fuel a nearly 2-month old street campaign against the government.

Groups opposed to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 coup, have accused the pro-Thaksin administration of supporting the listing to further his business interests in Cambodia.

Phnom Penh and Thaksin have denied the charge. (Writing by Darren Schuettler; Editing by Jerry Norton)