Rong Chhun, president of the Cambodian Independent Teachers' Association, said the purpose of the demonstration was to bring Cambodians together to show their desire for the withdrawal of Thai forces and to urge the government to seek the intervention of the UN Security Council to resolve the dispute.

The military stand-off began on 15 July after Preah Vihear was made a world heritage site. Thailand feared a loss of territory after Cambodia built community housing, a road and a temple in the disputed temple periphery, over which both sides claim sovereignty.

Both countries called a meeting of the General Border Committee and a ministerial conference last month but have yet to find a way of ending the dispute.

Meanwhile Cambodia has raised questions on the presence of Thai troops at other temple ruins at Ta Muen Thom and Ta Muen Touch which, it claims, are on Cambodian territory.

Thailand's foreign ministry, however, wants next week's meeting to focus on the dispute over Preah Vihear.

Many issues related to Preah Vihear, including the establishment of a Cambodian community in the disputed area, need to be cleared up first, said foreign ministry spokesman Tharit Charungvat. (By SUPALAK GANJANAKHUNDE/ The Nation/ ANN)