BORDER
Thai troops stand guard near temple
- Published: 1/06/2009 at 12:00 AM
- Newspaper section: News
NAKHON RATCHASIMA : Thai troops are ready to use force to counter a Cambodian troop build-up along the border in a fresh dispute over a hill near Preah Vihear temple, the head of the 2nd Army says.
The move follows Cambodia's claims that Hill 600, about 7km east of the historic temple, had been seized by Thai soldiers. Thailand has denied the allegation.
Second Army chief Wibulsak Neepal said troops were stationed at spots around Hill 600 to conduct border patrols but had never invaded Cambodian territory.
He said Thailand would not withdraw its troops.
The presence of soldiers in the area was normal as they had to guard Thai territory to prevent possible incursions pending talks on demarcation of the disputed area.
The deployment of Cambodian troops nearby in response to the Thai move has prompted speculation that there might be a new round of border clashes.
Lt-Gen Wibulsak said any border problem must be solved step by step or through negotiations.
''If Cambodia resorts to the use of force, Thailand would exercise its right to self-defence,'' he said.
Lt-Gen Wibulsak insisted Thailand had followed an agreement on border conflicts.
Thai and Cambodian commanders remained in contact.
The 2nd Army had earlier protested to Cambodia over the erection of fences at a disputed area along the Sa-ngarm border pass in Surin province, he said.
The protest was lodged through the army and the Foreign Ministry, which forwarded it to Cambodia.
Pha Mor E-Daeng cliff in Si Sa Ket, near the temple, was safe to be reopened as a tourist spot, he said. He had passed on word to provincial and national park authorities.
In April, Thai authorities closed tourist spots near the Preah Vihear temple indefinitely as Thai and Cambodian soldiers clashed twice in the area, leaving two Thai and two Cambodian soldiers dead, and several injured.
About the author
- Writer: PRASIT TANGPRASERT
