Thai Troops Enter Disputed Territory On Thai-cambodian Border

[sabaijai]

So for the history books, in case this should escalate, who did throw the first stone - Thais or Cambodians?

The total of my understanding is based solely on bits and pieces noted while reading through this thread, but am I wrong that a yearlong "ceasefire" on this matter of dispute was ended by the Cambodians by raising a barbed wire fence on disputed land?

So, as pointed out by someone else, the coming Cambodian elections might be the best place to look for a reason for the current escalation together with the circumstance that Thailand may look a bit weaker now due to internal problems - not to mention the evident Thai disagreements on the issue.

Yes, rishi, the scales are beginning to fall away.

[Nampeung]

Wonderful photo of the area SJ thanks, I can remember very well standing on that cliff top looking out over Cambodia and understand what you mean about it being a strategic point

[sriracha john]

Troop build-up at border

Thailand and Cambodia will hold an urgent meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) on Monday to defuse the growing tension over the listing of the old Preah Vihear temple as a World Heritage site. The decision comes as both countries are sending troop reinforcements to the sensitive border area. Lt-Gen Sujit Sithiprapa has closed Khao Phra Viharn national park and sealed access to the border in the area, banning visitors from seeing the temple ruins from the Thai side. The road is now closed from the forestry district office, which is 8 Km from the borderline. About 900 Cambodians living on the mountain where the temple is located have fled their homes for a safer spot lower down, according to Cambodian border unit commander Seng Vuthy. Three Thai protesters remained after they were released on Tuesday after being detained, but refused to leave the 4.6 square kilometre disputed area. Thailand started reinforcing its troops yesterday after army chief Gen Anupong Paojinda ordered the First Special Warfare Unit to stand by at their base in Lop Buri province, and be ready for an airlift to the border in case of an emergency, an army source said. Troops from the Artillery Regiment and the Third Infantry Division were already on their way to stations close to the border. The reinforcements from the three units would number about 800. Some 150 paramilitary rangers are already in the disputed area. Air force chief ACM Chalit Phukpasuk assigned F-16 jets to patrol the border yesterday. Pol Capt Soy Burin of the Cambodian border patrol unit said more Cambodian troops had been sent to guard the ruins. Phnom Penh has 380 soldiers stationed at the temple, according to Cambodian government spokesman Khieu Kanharith. Lt-Gen Sujit insisted on the presence of Thai troops in the disputed area unless Cambodia moves its soldiers out. "If Cambodia does not withdraw its soldiers, we won't either, because it is the overlapping area," he said.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/170708_News/17Jul2008_news01.php

Edited July 17, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

A Thai soldier stands guard near Preah Vihear temple, Thursday, July 17, 2008. Cambodia and Thailand escalated their troop buildup Thursday at disputed territory near the historic Preah Vihear border temple.

Associated Press

Cambodian soldiers walk in the foggy morning as they patrol around Preah Vihear temple, Thursday, July 17, 2008. Cambodia and Thailand escalated their troop buildup Thursday at disputed territory near the historic border temple.

Associated Press

[sriracha john]

Cambodian-Thai temple military standoff enters third day

PREAH VIHEAR, Cambodia: Cambodian and Thai soldiers held their positions on the border near an ancient temple Thursday as a standoff over a territorial dispute entered its third day.

More than 400 Thai troops and more than 800 Cambodian soldiers stood stationed around a small Buddhist pagoda on the slope of a mountain leading to the ruins of the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple.

Brigadier Chea Keo, commander-in-chief of the army at Preah Vihear, warned reporters that the situation could worsen if the Thais continued to swell their ranks. "If the Thais keep adding more troops the situation will escalate, but we try to be patient," Chea Keo said. "They want us to do something first, but we try to remain calm," he added.

Groups of Cambodian soldiers based at the foot of the mountain were redeployed to the temple at the top, armed with AK-47 assault rifles and rocket launchers. Thai soldiers were all stationed inside the pagoda compound, around the wooden structure that has a corrugated metal roof.

The brigadier acknowledged that the Thai army had superior weapons but said that the Cambodians were in a better position at the top of the mountain.

Cambodian officials claim soldiers began crossing the border on Tuesday after three Thai protesters were arrested for jumping an immigration checkpoint to reach the temple.

Thailand denies the trespass and insists the soldiers were patrolling its side of the border but Cambodian troops on the scene say the Thai soldiers have crossed more than 100 metres outside their territory.

An area of 4.6 square kilometres on the border remains in dispute between the two countries after the World Court in 1962 determined the Preah Vihear ruins belong to Cambodia, but its most accessible entrance lies in Thailand.

A Thai soldier was injured by a landmine in the area on Tuesday but the Thai military says the landmine was planted on Thai soil, possibly a remnant from the decades of war that once plagued the border.

Some 70 per cent of Cambodians who live in the area have left their homes during the confrontation, said Brigadier Chea Keo.

The incident comes amid heightened political tensions in both countries after the UN cultural agency UNESCO awarded the temple World Heritage status earlier this month.

Cambodia is preparing for general elections on July 27, when Prime Minister Hun Sen is expected to extend his decades-long grip on power.

He has portrayed the UN recognition of the ruins as a national triumph, organising huge public celebrations.

In Thailand, critics of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej - already the target of street protests - have stoked the temple controversy to fire up nationalist sentiment. Samak's government had originally signed a deal supporting Cambodia's bid to make the ruins a World Heritage site, but a court overturned the pact, forcing the resignation of foreign minister Noppadon Pattama. The parliamentary opposition is now mulling impeachment motions against the entire cabinet.

- AFP

[george]

POLITICS: BURNING ISSUE

Bruised nationalism stirring bad feelings between Thais, Cambodians

BANGKOK: -- There is a whiff of undesirable difficulty building up in relations between Thailand and Cambodia in the aftermath of the World Heritage listing for the controversial Preah Vihear temple.

It is arising from the obligations forced upon the Samak Sundaravej government and the Foreign Ministry by the ongoing People's Alliance for Democracy street protest, the stance of the opposition Democrat Party and the actions of some senators and nationalist academics.

Bruised nationalism is stimulating feelings of hatred between Thais and Cambodians. Anti-Cambodian sentiment is growing stronger as Thais - who consider themselves superior to their southeastern neighbours - feel they have lost face because Cambodia managed to have the Hindu temple listed as a World Heritage site.

The listing of anyplace as a World Heritage site is not a matter of gain or loss. But many Thais are convinced of loss, because they've been told repeatedly that the listing means Thailand has lost sovereignty over Preah Vihear. So, as Cambodia celebrated last week's World Heritage listing, many Thais felt bitter.

Legal misinterpretation by intellectuals has confused the powerful Thai sense of ownership. The entire world is aware that in 1962, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled Preah Vihear was "situated in territory under the sovereignty of Cambodia".

As a member of the United Nations, Thailand had to accept the ruling and hand the temple over to Cambodia. In the decades since then, there has been no legal bid to reclaim the site. Some legal experts intentionally misinterpreted Article 60 of the ICJ's rules by saying it reserved the right to reclaim the temple.

In fact, the article merely says that "in the event of a dispute as to the meaning or scope of judgement", the court will construe such matters upon the request of any party.

Therefore, in the language of the law, de facto and de jure, the Hindu temple of Preah Vihear belongs to Cambodia.

For the past 46 years, the Thai authorities have never dared use Article 60 to ask the ICJ for clarification of the meaning or scope of its ruling. Such action may have caused further loss of territory, because in making its original decision, the court referred to a French-made map that swallowed up a large swathe of so-called "overlapping" area in Cambodia's favour. The whole mountain where the temple stands may now be under Cambodian sovereignty.

Many Cambodians have been quoted in their local media as saying Thailand's unlimited greed would end up bringing the country shame. One Cambodia woman at the temple told The Phnom Penh Post she was increasingly worried that the dispute would turn ugly.

"We are concerned that the Thais have come here to create trouble," she said, referring to hundreds of Thai protesters who gathered near the temple a few weeks ago.

The group threatened to storm it. On Tuesday, three of their number carried out the threat and were arrested by Cambodian authorities and held for several hours. This kind of emotion will likely destroy the fundamentally good relations between the two countries in the short-term future if both sides allow feelings to get out of hand.

Then there is a technical problem. Former foreign minister Noppadon Pattama was forced to emphasise Thai concerns linking the heritage listing with sovereignty before the World Heritage Committee in Quebec, Canada. That stance could become a powerful argument for Cambodia to use in opposing Thailand's forthcoming application for World Heritage listing of the adjoining area downhill from the temple within two years.

The World Heritage Committee pointed out its regulations stipulate that the listing of any World Heritage site has nothing to do with sovereignty. However, the Thai team arguing against the listing insisted the committee recognise the domestic political sensitivity of the Preah Vihear site.

Phnom Penh may now be able to turn the tables on Bangkok, since Cambodia also claims sovereignty over territory containing many archaeological sites along the border, including the area downhill from Preah Vihear.

It is difficult to imagine what may happen in the future if Thailand is forced to cut "overlapping" areas off of the sites it proposes for listing. In fact, Thailand may ultimately be left with no sites along the border for which to apply for World Heritage listing.

-- The Nation 2008-07-17

[sriracha john]

The Thai Side:

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Phrea Vihear

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The Cambodian Side:

----------

1 - 4: Associated Press

5 - 6: Reuters

Edited July 17, 2008 by sriracha john

[george]

Air Force set to evacuate Thais in Cambodia if tensions escalate

BANGKOK: -- Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal Chalit Phukphasuk said Royal Thai Air Force aircraft are on standby, prepared to fly out Thai nationals living in Cambodia if tensions flare over the disputed Thai-Khmer border at the ancient Preah Vihear temple.

Meanwhile, over a hundred carloads of Peoples Alliance for Democracy (PAD) activists attempting to demonstrate at the controversial temple early Thursday were prevented by police and military personnel from traveling to the site, being stopped outside the perimeter established some 10 kilometres from the sit.

"If the situation worsens, the Air Force can assist on a 24-hour basis and can lift out Thai nationals to repatriate them within one hour. Officials are now well prepared for the operation," ACM Chalit said.

He said concerned Thai security officials -- including Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej who also serves as defense minister, military commanders, the supreme commander and the permanent secretary for defense -- have conducted an ongoing discussion on ways to defuse the tensions.

Referring to a plan by members and supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), an anti-government group, to protest at Preah Vihear on Thursday, ACM Chalit said that the people have the right to express their opinions but they "must be based on the truth" and that protesters must strictly follow orders issued by officials.

He said the PAD members and supporters, however, should refrain from intruding into the disputed area because it is dangerous.

ACM Chalit's remarks were made following reports that both Thailand and Cambodia had reinforced their troops at and near the competing claims to the approaches to the historic Preah Vihear temple, listed by UNESCO earlier this month as a World Heritage Site.

Both countries historically laid claim to the 11th century temple, which now sits on Cambodian soil following the action of the International Court of Justice which awarded the ancient temple to Cambodia in 1962. However, the temple can practicably only be accessed from Thailand.

However, the exact demarcation of the border around the ruins remains in contention.

The security situation around the temple deteriorated after three Thais, including a Buddhist monk, were briefly detained by Cambodian soldiers after surrepticiously crossing into the disputed border area on Tuesday. The trio were released the same day but refused to leave the 4.6 square kilometre disputed area adjoining the temple complex.

Thailand first issued a warning that travel to the vicinity of the temple be avoided, but later closed off access altogether within 10 kilometres of the temple.

Meanwhile, Si Sa Ket's provincial govertnor closed a nearby park on Wednesday, citing security concerns.

The park is expected to be reopened when tensions ease.

-- TNA 2008-07-17

[Scott]

When times get tough, nationalism is a nice diversion from other problems. This can cause an unnecessary escalation of a tense situation such as this. I hope cool heads prevail.

[sriracha john]

When does the Navy get to become involved???

Air Force set to evacuate Thais in Cambodia if tensions escalate

BANGKOK, July 17 (TNA) -- Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Chalit Phukbhasuk said Thursday Royal Thai Air Force aircraft are on standby, prepared to fly out Thai nationals living in Cambodia if tensions flare over the disputed Thai-Cambodian border at the ancient Preah Vihear temple.

"If the situation worsens, the Air Force can assist on a 24-hour basis and can lift out Thai nationals to repatriate them within one hour. Officials are now well prepared for the operation," ACM Chalit said.

He said concerned Thai security officials -- including Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej who also serves as Defence Minister, military commanders, the Supreme Commander and the Permanent Secretary for Defence -- have conducted an ongoing discussion on ways to defuse the tensions.

ACM Chalit's remarks were made following reports that both Thailand and Cambodia had reinforced their troops at and near the competing claims to the approaches to the historic Preah Vihear temple, listed by UNESCO earlier this month as a World Heritage Site.

Thailand first issued a warning that travel to the vicinity of the temple be avoided, but later closed off access altogether within 10 kilometres of the temple.

Meanwhile, Si Saket's provincial Governor closed a nearby park on Wednesday, citing security concerns. The park is expected to be reopened when tensions ease.

[h90]

The Thai Side:

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Phrea Vihear

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The Cambodian Side:

----------

1 - 4: Associated Press

5 - 6: Reuters

very strange pictures.....

[plachon]

The Thai Side:

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Phrea Vihear

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The Cambodian Side:

----------

1 - 4: Associated Press

5 - 6: Reuters

very strange pictures.....

Why "strange" h90?

look quite normal tahaan praan and Cambo regulars to me.

Seems the Cambodian side are quite happy to give access to AP and Reuters up the cliffside or is the Thai press blockade not quite as rigid as they would like to admit?

I was thinking that this could be the next Ban Romklao, but there the media really were blocked from taking pics or reporting on what turned out to be a really nasty little war with chemical weapons used and plenty of body bags (600 by some accounts) sent back to Pitsanoloke under Chavalit's guard. Hopefully, this conflict won't come to that, and nationalistic fervour can be minimised.

[h90]

The Thai Side:

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Phrea Vihear

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The Cambodian Side:

----------

1 - 4: Associated Press

5 - 6: Reuters

very strange pictures.....

Why "strange" h90?

look quite normal tahaan praan and Cambo regulars to me.

Seems the Cambodian side are quite happy to give access to AP and Reuters up the cliffside or is the Thai press blockade not quite as rigid as they would like to admit?

I was thinking that this could be the next Ban Romklao, but there the media really were blocked from taking pics or reporting on what turned out to be a really nasty little war with chemical weapons used and plenty of body bags (600 by some accounts) sent back to Pitsanoloke under Chavalit's guard. Hopefully, this conflict won't come to that, and nationalistic fervour can be minimised.

Strange.....looks very different than european military...

Different guns on the Thai people (even a AKA if I am not wrong).

The cambodian carry their weapons in a strange way.....look like camping.....

But I don't know about Asian armys, just look strange to me.

[wintermute]

The Thai Side:

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Phrea Vihear

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The Cambodian Side:

----------

1 - 4: Associated Press

5 - 6: Reuters

very strange pictures.....

Why "strange" h90?

look quite normal tahaan praan and Cambo regulars to me.

Seems the Cambodian side are quite happy to give access to AP and Reuters up the cliffside or is the Thai press blockade not quite as rigid as they would like to admit?

I was thinking that this could be the next Ban Romklao, but there the media really were blocked from taking pics or reporting on what turned out to be a really nasty little war with chemical weapons used and plenty of body bags (600 by some accounts) sent back to Pitsanoloke under Chavalit's guard. Hopefully, this conflict won't come to that, and nationalistic fervour can be minimised.

Strange.....looks very different than european military...

Different guns on the Thai people (even a AKA if I am not wrong).

The cambodian carry their weapons in a strange way.....look like camping.....

But I don't know about Asian armys, just look strange to me.

I'm pretty certain some of those Thai soldiers aren't normal soldiers but their version of elite Army rangers and special forces. Thailand does have a very competent well trained special forces unit that is regularly involved in operations along the border. They also train a lot with U.S. special forces and navy seals.

[jackspratt]

The Thai Side:

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Phrea Vihear

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The Cambodian Side:

----------

1 - 4: Associated Press

5 - 6: Reuters

very strange pictures.....

Why "strange" h90?

look quite normal tahaan praan and Cambo regulars to me.

Seems the Cambodian side are quite happy to give access to AP and Reuters up the cliffside or is the Thai press blockade not quite as rigid as they would like to admit?

I was thinking that this could be the next Ban Romklao, but there the media really were blocked from taking pics or reporting on what turned out to be a really nasty little war with chemical weapons used and plenty of body bags (600 by some accounts) sent back to Pitsanoloke under Chavalit's guard. Hopefully, this conflict won't come to that, and nationalistic fervour can be minimised.

Strange.....looks very different than european military...

Different guns on the Thai people (even a AKA if I am not wrong).

The cambodian carry their weapons in a strange way.....look like camping.....

But I don't know about Asian armys, just look strange to me.

I'm pretty certain some of those Thai soldiers aren't normal soldiers but their version of elite Army rangers and special forces. Thailand does have a very competent well trained special forces unit that is regularly involved in operations along the border. They also train a lot with U.S. special forces and navy seals.

And John Rambo by the look of the guy in the purple headband

[BSJ]

Hi sabaijai, thanks for the aerial picture. With artillery, mortars and heavy machine gun support 2 well dug in companies could hold that site forever....and have command of a 10km swathe of land around it!

The picture's of the Thai soldiers and their weapon assortment (M16, Ak47 and Heckler&Koch G3) could point to the fact they are reservists or mercinaries. I think even a Thai SF unit would be better equiped with up to date gear.

Edited July 17, 2008 by BSJ

[h90]

The Thai Side:

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Phrea Vihear

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The Cambodian Side:

----------

1 - 4: Associated Press

5 - 6: Reuters

very strange pictures.....

Why "strange" h90?

look quite normal tahaan praan and Cambo regulars to me.

Seems the Cambodian side are quite happy to give access to AP and Reuters up the cliffside or is the Thai press blockade not quite as rigid as they would like to admit?

I was thinking that this could be the next Ban Romklao, but there the media really were blocked from taking pics or reporting on what turned out to be a really nasty little war with chemical weapons used and plenty of body bags (600 by some accounts) sent back to Pitsanoloke under Chavalit's guard. Hopefully, this conflict won't come to that, and nationalistic fervour can be minimised.

Strange.....looks very different than european military...

Different guns on the Thai people (even a AKA if I am not wrong).

The cambodian carry their weapons in a strange way.....look like camping.....

But I don't know about Asian armys, just look strange to me.

I'm pretty certain some of those Thai soldiers aren't normal soldiers but their version of elite Army rangers and special forces. Thailand does have a very competent well trained special forces unit that is regularly involved in operations along the border. They also train a lot with U.S. special forces and navy seals.

The mix of weapons (specially with the AKA 47) looks more like paramilitary/reservists or? Or maybe local reservists as they know the area best??

[nickynomates]

looks like a case of Itchy fingers waiting to happen.

[Nampeung]

If you look at the Thai soldiers most of them are wearing a black and purple neck tie??? One of them has it on his head. Anyone know what this means?

[wasabi]

Nationalism is stupid. It's every man for himself. Always has been, always will be.

[Pierrot]

Referring to a plan by members and supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), an anti-government group, to protest at Preah Vihear on Thursday ...

How long are we going to let these people destroy this country?

[samran]

Referring to a plan by members and supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), an anti-government group, to protest at Preah Vihear on Thursday ...

How long are we going to let these people destroy this country?

so long as they think the other side is destroying it as well, I guess.

[Lorin]

Referring to a plan by members and supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), an anti-government group, to protest at Preah Vihear on Thursday ...

How long are we going to let these people destroy this country?

so long as they think the other side is destroying it as well, I guess.

Well said...+1

[thaigene2]

Referring to a plan by members and supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), an anti-government group, to protest at Preah Vihear on Thursday ...

How long are we going to let these people destroy this country?

so long as they think the other side is destroying it as well, I guess.

Nice try Samran.

But it's clear that this is simply another entry point for the anti-Thaksin/PPP Brigade to stir up shit.

Oh, look! They don't care about the fear and upheaval expressed today by the local Thai people in the area - what a surprise?!? How bloody consistent - since none of the PAD give a SH+T about any poor Thai people anyway. Hmm? The local Thais nearly kicked the shit out of the well-healed PAD brigade - and no one cares any longer about the colour of the PAD T-shirts (cause everyone has now discounted any suggestion of legitimate connection).

[wintermute]

The Thai Side:

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Phrea Vihear

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The Cambodian Side:

----------

1 - 4: Associated Press

5 - 6: Reuters

very strange pictures.....

Why "strange" h90?

look quite normal tahaan praan and Cambo regulars to me.

Seems the Cambodian side are quite happy to give access to AP and Reuters up the cliffside or is the Thai press blockade not quite as rigid as they would like to admit?

I was thinking that this could be the next Ban Romklao, but there the media really were blocked from taking pics or reporting on what turned out to be a really nasty little war with chemical weapons used and plenty of body bags (600 by some accounts) sent back to Pitsanoloke under Chavalit's guard. Hopefully, this conflict won't come to that, and nationalistic fervour can be minimised.

Strange.....looks very different than european military...

Different guns on the Thai people (even a AKA if I am not wrong).

The cambodian carry their weapons in a strange way.....look like camping.....

But I don't know about Asian armys, just look strange to me.

I'm pretty certain some of those Thai soldiers aren't normal soldiers but their version of elite Army rangers and special forces. Thailand does have a very competent well trained special forces unit that is regularly involved in operations along the border. They also train a lot with U.S. special forces and navy seals.

The mix of weapons (specially with the AKA 47) looks more like paramilitary/reservists or? Or maybe local reservists as they know the area best??

It's possible that they are just weekend warriors but would Thailand risk sending inexperienced soldiers into a potentially delicate situation like this? Or maybe they are elite soldiers just dressing down like U.S. SF often do. Shrug. It could be any number of things.

[samran]

Referring to a plan by members and supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), an anti-government group, to protest at Preah Vihear on Thursday ...

How long are we going to let these people destroy this country?

so long as they think the other side is destroying it as well, I guess.

Nice try Samran.

But it's clear that this is simply another entry point for the anti-Thaksin/PPP Brigade to stir up shit.

Oh, look! They don't care about the fear and upheaval expressed today by the local Thai people in the area - what a surprise?!? How bloody consistent - since none of the PAD give a SH+T about any poor Thai people anyway. Hmm?

You are right. Easily solved though. When you are not trying to buy football teams, buying cut priced government land in central BKK, gourging yourself on contracts building airports and giving PTT shares to yourself and all your mates, you go camp out for a couple of nights in the boonies - mixing it with the locals and doling them out 1000 baht notes - and pretend to be 'one of the poor folk who understands our needs'. You televise it all on national TV for 4 days straight just to ram it home to the masses. Give your daughter a pretend 'part time job' and McDonalds, and give them 30 baht health care while you buy up the hospitals which get (your) governments funding to run the darn things.

Street cred...it is what it is all about!

[sriracha john]

looks like a case of Itchy fingers waiting to happen.

Border row with Thailand 'worsening': Cambodian PM

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen urged Thailand Thursday to withdraw its troops, warning a "worsening" border row was damaging relations between the two neighbors.

Hun Sen wrote to Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej asking him to "ease the tensions and order the Thais to withdraw from the area," as more than 400 Thai troops stood on the border.

"The situation has worsened due to the continuing increase of the number of Thai military inside and around the area," he wrote in the letter, given to reporters.

"The deteriorating situation is very bad for the relations between our countries."

More than 400 Thai troops and more than 800 Cambodian soldiers remain assembled around a small Buddhist pagoda on the slope of a mountain leading to the ruins of an ancient temple at the center of the dispute.

Cambodia accuses Thailand of sending troops across the border after three protesters illegally broke across on Tuesday vowing to reclaim the Preah Vihear temple , which they say rightly belongs to them.

However Thailand continues to deny the trespass, insisting the soldiers remain on their own soil.

The two prime ministers spoke on Wednesday and agreed to hold talks next week to resolve the standoff, Cambodian government spokesman Khieu Kanharith told AFP.

Cambodia said it would send its defence minister to Monday's talks, while Samak has yet to confirm whether he will attend or send his army chief.

He told reporters Thursday he blames the situation on the three Thai protesters.

"Those crazy three people who crossed the border sparked the problem. They nearly achieved their aim by causing the military on each side to face one another," Samak said.

The incident comes amid heightened political tensions in both countries after the UN cultural agency UNESCO awarded the temple World Heritage status earlier this month.

Asked by reporters in the pagoda compound when his troops would leave, Thai commander Wern Champasa said: "We wait for the top to solve the problem."

On Thursday, Cambodian soldiers laid razor wire across possible paths into Cambodia to prevent more Thais from sneaking across the border.

Thai troops meanwhile defused land mines in the pagoda compound after one of their soldiers was injured by a land mine Tuesday.

Groups of Cambodian soldiers based at the foot of the mountain were redeployed to the temple itself, armed with AK-47 rifles and rocket launchers.

Military officials said 70 percent of local villagers had fled their homes, fearful of violence erupting.

But those who remained were defiant.

"I am not afraid to make war with the Thais. Even if death is one step ahead, I won't leave here," said Seoung Pisith, 27.

"The Thais want our land without feeling ashamed. The Thais must start educating their people not to want other's land," said Seng Kim Yeah, 29.

Around 1,000 Thai protesters expected to demonstrate near the closed border gate next to the temple were stopped by Thai authorities and local Thai people, Cambodian military officials said.

Although the atmosphere was peaceful, Cambodians said they were ready to fight if fired upon.

"If any order comes from the top, I can launch my rocket immediately. I am protecting my territory and temples," said soldier Lorm Trouk.

Brigadier Chea Keo acknowledged that the better-equipped Thai army has superior weapons, but said that Cambodians were in a better position at the top of the mountain.

The World Court in 1962 determined the Preah Vihear ruins belong to Cambodia, even though the most accessible entrance lies in Thailand.

The standoff is of great national importance to both countries.

Cambodia is preparing for general elections on July 27, while Thailand remains in the grip of anti-government protests, with its cabinet threatened by impeachment proceedings.

AFP

[Scott]

If the situation actually flared up to the point where you need to evacuate people, wouldn't it be wiser to have commercial aircraft rather than Air Force planes landing in Cambodia?

[Pierrot]

You are right. Easily solved though. When you are not trying to buy football teams, buying cut priced government land in central BKK, gourging yourself on contracts building airports and giving PTT shares to yourself and all your mates, you go camp out for a couple of nights in the boonies - mixing it with the locals and doling them out 1000 baht notes - and pretend to be 'one of the poor folk who understands our needs'. You televise it all on national TV for 4 days straight just to ram it home to the masses. Give your daughter a pretend 'part time job' and McDonalds, and give them 30 baht health care while you buy up the hospitals which get (your) governments funding to run the darn things.

Street cred...it is what it is all about!

Right, but honestly, compare to starting a war with a neighboring country, it sounds a bit like child play, doesn't it?

[Hermano Lobo]

When times get tough, nationalism is a nice diversion from other problems. This can cause an unnecessary escalation of a tense situation such as this. I hope cool heads prevail.

Scott,

Sadly I think you have hit the nail on the head ?

HL