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Thai Troops Stand Guard Against Cambodians In Fresh Dispute


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Thai troops stand guard near temple

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 7 km 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.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/1768...ard-near-temple

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-- Bangkok Post 2009-06-01

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Thai Troop Denies Invading Hill 600 Near Preah Vihear

The Army Region 2 Commander confirmed that Thai troops never invaded the area near Hill 600 near the Preah Vihear temple, and says that soldiers had only been patrolling the area as usual. He also insisted that Thailand was strictly following regulations and was well within the parameters of the agreement regarding border conflicts.

Army Region 2 Commander Lieutenant-General Wibulsak Neepal revealed that the situation at the Thai-Cambodian border is normalized. Troops are attentively guarding the Praeh Vihear temple in Wat Sri-saket province and both remain in good condition.

Cambodia's media is alleging that Thai soldiers had taken over the area at Hill 600, approximately 7 km east of the ancient temple, which caused the deployment of Cambodian troops one kilometer away from the Hill 600.

Lieutenant-General Wibulsak said Hill 600 is the area where troops normally conduct border patrols to guard the Thai territory.

He stated that there might be a misunderstanding by Cambodia's journalists, which could lead to potential clashes. However, both Thai and Cambodian commanders remained in contact.

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-- Tan Network 2009-06-01

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I can't remember the source of the quote but someone once described the long running and pointless Iran-Iraq conflict as "the wanke_rs' war".

One can't help echoing that sentiment in the Preah Vihear dispute.

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No need to be afraid of the Cambodian.

The Swedish will be delivering the new planes soon.

:)

In all seriousness, history has shown in this region air superiority doesn't always bring victory when pitted against hardened guerilla fighters like those ex-Khmer Rouge on the Cambodian side of the border.

Thailand can only lose here, in the international media they are perceived as bullying a weaker neighbour and if they engage militarily they could get another bloody nose and lose face.

If the Thais step too far over the line the real military power in the region, Viet Nam, could come to Cambodia's aid and things could get quickly out of hand.

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Thai military officer denies invading border area with Cambodia

Thai senior military officer confirmed on Sunday that the situation at the Thai-Cambodian border was normal, denying the report that a hill near Preah Vihear temple, a border area under dispute, was seized by Thai troops, Thai media reported Monday.

According to Monday's Bangkok Post, Second Army Chief Wibulsak Neepal denied some Cambodian media's report that Thai troops invaded the area near Hill 600, adding that soldiers had only been patrolling the area as usual in order to guard the Thai territory.

He also insisted that Thailand was strictly following regulations and was well within the parameters of the agreement regarding border conflicts.

Cambodia's media alleged that Thai soldiers have taken over the area at Hill 600, approximately 7 km east of the ancient temple, which caused the deployment of Cambodian troops one km away from the hill.

Wibulsak stated that there might be a misunderstanding by Cambodia's journalists, which could lead to potential clashes. Both Thai and Cambodian commanders remained in contact, he added.

The deployment of Cambodian troops nearby has prompted speculation of a new bout of border clashes, said Bangkok Post.

The latest border conflicts between the two countries broke out on April 3 when soldiers of the two sides clashed twice near the Preah Vihear temple, leaving two Thai and two Cambodian soldiers dead and nine Thai soldiers injured.

Thailand and Cambodia had earlier conducted a few rounds of negotiations which involved the military and foreign ministries from the two sides to solve the border dispute regarding areas around the temple, a UNESCO world heritage site.

The international court ruled the temple belonged to Cambodia more than 40 years ago. But border dispute over areas around the temple has remained a fuse in the two countries' relationship.

The Thai-Cambodian border has never been fully demarcated, in part because the border is littered with landmines left during the wars.

- Xinhua / 2009-06-01

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hardened guerilla fighters like those ex-Khmer Rouge

You realise they are all senior citizens now, don't you?

As the Khmer Rouge was a fighting force throughout the 80's and 90's, until they surrendered in '99, this is hardly the case.

Indeed. The Cambodian military is made up of many hardcore ex-Khmer Rouge fighters.

In order to put security problems to an end, the Government commenced its Win Win policy in mid 1995. The policy was to end the internal security crisis through national reconciliation and national unity efforts, under the rule of the King of Cambodia. Subsequent defections NADK units began in early 1996. The Win Win policy of Samdech Prime Minister Hun Sen continued to succeed as the last groups of the Khmer Rouge guerrillas were integrated into the RCAF in late 1998. It historically marked the total dissolution of the Khmer Rouge's political and military organs and the return of all secession areas to government control.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Cambodian_Armed_Forces

:)

Edited by Oberkommando
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They are leaders are not exactly spring chicken now, what do you think the average age of an ex Khmer Rouge fighter is?

When is one too old to pull a trigger?, I have seen in the past 10yr old kids with AK47s in Cambodia, anyone that under estimates their enemy does so at their own peril, just ask the Americans.

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So it's 10 year old hardened ex-Khmer rouge guerilla fighters now?

KR lost power in the 70s, lost all support in the 80s, then split and many joined the mainstream society, like Hun Sen himself. I seriously doubt there was any significant influx of fresh fighters since then.

Only a couple of thousand were left at the point when they finally surrendered, and that was ten years ago.

Ever since their leaders have been dying of old age.

Thais have nothing to be scared of no matter how much you try to blow up the alleged heroism of Cambodian army. They haven't seen any fighting and never had any real training, and are pushed by their politicians to take control of disputed territories while Thais simply want to preserve the status quo. No wonder there are reports that the soldiers often share meals and wiskey together.

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So it's 10 year old hardened ex-Khmer rouge guerilla fighters now?

KR lost power in the 70s, lost all support in the 80s, then split and many joined the mainstream society, like Hun Sen himself. I seriously doubt there was any significant influx of fresh fighters since then.

Only a couple of thousand were left at the point when they finally surrendered, and that was ten years ago.

Ever since their leaders have been dying of old age.

Thais have nothing to be scared of no matter how much you try to blow up the alleged heroism of Cambodian army. They haven't seen any fighting and never had any real training, and are pushed by their politicians to take control of disputed territories while Thais simply want to preserve the status quo. No wonder there are reports that the soldiers often share meals and wiskey together.

Who said anything about 10yr old Khmer rouge fighters if you read my post I believe that I made no such assertions and have seen no replies concerning heroic Cambodian army personel, as for their experience in recent fighting the answer is a simple no but I'm sure your going to inform us about the recent heroic battles the Thai army has fought and that they have been trained by a joint effort by the British SAS and the American special forces.

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I don't think the issue is about the Khmer Rouge, but about the mentality that exists among the Cambodian population. They have experienced a significant amount of violence and as such, this is incorporated into their psyche. The Thais, on the other hand, have not and they really don't have much stomach for it. But both groups can be quite volatile given the right circumstances.

In the end, it might not be a real mess.

I think a lot depends on economic factors and how they effect nationalistic feelings and the need for resources (the oil and gas in the disputed areas of the gulf in particular).

The temple is just posturing as far as I can see, for the bigger issue.

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Thailand, Cambodia reaffirm dialogue as border dispute resolution tool

PHNOM PENH, June 12 (TNA) – Thailand and Cambodia agreed on Friday to adhere to peaceful means to address border problems and to proceed with negotiations under the agreed framework, according to Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Mr. Abhisit on Friday paid a one-day official visit to Cambodia at the invitation of his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen.

During the visit he held bilateral talks with Hun Sen covering a wide range of issues including land and maritime boundaries, cooperation to promote peace and stability in border areas, development and use of land transport networks, energy cooperation, trade promotion, investment and tourism to collectively cope with various challenges resulting from the global financial crisis.

After the one-on-one talks, followed by a full delegation meeting, Mr. Abhisit told reporters that both sides agreed to foster cooperation in all areas, particularly in planning to resolve border problems by peaceful means and adhering to the agreed framework.

More talks would be held at different levels, including both military personnel and government officials, to avoid any future military clashes, he added.

The Thai prime minister said Thailand and Cambodia agreed to cooperate in a road-building project in which Thailand would grant a loan to Cambodia. Both sides would jointly develop the overlapping maritime boundary and also jointly study the Stung Mnam power station project as there were some different opinions over the project.

The two neighbouring countries also agreed to discuss details of an exchange of two prisoners, as there were two Thais imprisoned in Khmer jails while Cambodia also has two inmates serving jail terms in Thailand. Thailand and Cambodia have no extradition treaty.

The two leaders also discussed cooperation on rice as Cambodia is the third largest rice exporter after Thailand and Vietnam and wanted coordination in rice exporting which would be benefit all three countries.

Mr. Abhisit's visit to Cambodia was his first since coming to office late last year.

In addition, the two prime ministers witnessed a ceremony transferring seven pieces of Khmer sculpture from Thailand’s minister of foreign affairs to a representative of the Government of Cambodia.

The historic works of art hold religious and cultural significance for Cambodia and were smuggled into Thailand where they were intercepted and seized by the Thai authorities.

The return represents the application of an agreement between Cambodia and Thailand to counter illicit trafficking and cross-border smuggling of ‘movable cultural property’ —mainly ancient Khmer temple sculptures – and to return such items to the country of origin. The pact was signed nine years ago in 2000.

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-- TNA 2009-06-12

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Thailand and Cambodia agree to continue cooperation

PHNOM PENH, 13 June 2009 (NNT) - Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to assist each other in advancing relationships, while affirming to resolve border conflicts in a peaceful manner.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva spoke yesterday after meeting with his Cambodia counterpart Hun Sen on his first official visit to the neighboring nation.

The two agreed that the cooperation currently taking place between Thailand and Cambodia aimed at developing basic necessities, such as linking roads, must be brought to fruition. Thailand and Cambodia also have an array of other agreements owing to their membership in ASEAN and other international organizations.

On the topic of border conflicts, both leaders agreed that peaceful means to a resolution must continue along set guidelines. The two remarked that increased exchanges between both nations various bodies and institutes such as the Army and the Ministry of Interior should help deter open conflicts. Both stated that the issue must be ended as soon as possible.

Mr. Abhisit also discussed a highly possible exchange of Thai and Cambodian prisoners.

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-- NNT 2009-06-13

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Thai troops near Preah Vihear on full alert

The Second Army Region Commander Lt-General Wiboonsak Neeparn Sunday instructed troops stationing at area near the Hindu temple of Preah Vihear to get ready for an possible attack as Phnom Penh disappointed with the Thai government's objection to the temple's world heritage inscription.

The army commander General Anupong Paochinda phoned to check the situation with concern but insisted Thai troops not to open fire first, he said.

"But if the opponent open fire, we have to exercise our self-defense right and retaliate," Wiboonsak told reporters.

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-- The Nation 2009-06-22

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They are leaders are not exactly spring chicken now, what do you think the average age of an ex Khmer Rouge fighter is?

When is one too old to pull a trigger?, I have seen in the past 10yr old kids with AK47s in Cambodia, anyone that under estimates their enemy does so at their own peril, just ask the Americans.

I'm American, ask me what?

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Troops on combat alert

Troops stationed near the Preah Vihear Temple were put on combat alert yesterday after Cambodia expressed disappointment with the Thai government's objection to the site's World Heritage listing.

Second Army Area Commander Lt-General Wiboonsak Neeparn said Army Commander General Anupong Paochinda phoned to check the situation out of concern for a possible attack while insisting Thai troops would not take the offensive.

"But if the opponent opens fire, we have to exercise our right to self-defence and retaliate," Wiboonsak told reporters.

The situation on the ground was still normal as both Thai and Cambodian forces were staying in their respective positions, he said.

The Cambodian Commander in the area was contacted to make sure there nothing would be launched from their side, he said.

The border situation has tensed up since late last week when Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said his government remained opposed to the World Heritage Committee's inscription of the Hindu temple as a heritage site last July.

Abhisit said his government has no problem with Cambodia but had raised questions over the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation's conduct.

Unesco's decision might violate UN regulations and it created a rift between the two neighbours rather than peace, he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban would be dispatched to Phnom Penh soon to clear the issue, he said.

Natural Resource and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti would express the Thai stance on the inscription when he attends the World Heritage Committee's 33rd session in Seville, Spain, starting today.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said last week he regretted Abhisit's stance and considered it a threat to Cambodia's security.

Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong said in Phnom Penh on Saturday that his country "welcomes Thailand militarily, diplomatically, internationally or through peaceful negotiations".

"(But) it (border fighting) has happened twice ... (so) if they want to send their troops to Cambodia a third time, we will welcome them too," he said.

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-- The Nation 2009-06-22

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I don't think the issue is about the Khmer Rouge, but about the mentality that exists among the Cambodian population. They have experienced a significant amount of violence and as such, this is incorporated into their psyche. The Thais, on the other hand, have not and they really don't have much stomach for it.

Thai soldiers in general or in that particular area?

In general Thais have daily battles with Southern insurgents and Burmese drug traffickers, and those are games for keeps.

On Burmese border they don't even give warning signals to drug convoys - it's all about who can shoot first.

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Thailand Sends Delegates to Oppose Preah Vihear Registration as Cambodian World Heritage

The Thai government has sent delegates to the World Heritage Committee to represent Thailand and its position regarding the unilateral listing of Cambodia as the site of the Preah Vihear temple, a world heritage site.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said during his weekly television show “Confidence in Thailand with Prime Minister Abhisit” that the government has sent delegates to sit in as observers to the 33rd World Heritage Committee meeting taking place from June 22 to 30 in Spain, where they hope to reaffirm their objection to the listing of the Preah Vihear temple as solely being the property of Cambodia, arguing that the surrounding area lies in both Cambodia and Thailand.

He said that Thailand wants peace and a good relationship between the two countries, and considers the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's, or UNESCO's, move to consider the registration of Preah Vihear temple as a world heritage site according to Cambodia's proposal as one that could cause problems and lead to an army clash.

As for the relationship with Cambodia, the Prime Minister said that he, along with Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban and Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya have gathered information concerning Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's concerns with Thailand and will pass along the information to Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who is set to visit Cambodia for the discussion over the issue.

Meanwhile, former Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama who signed the Thai-Cambodian joint communique on the unilateral listing of Preah Vihear temple as a world heritage site and was also ruled ineligible to sign that joint agreement by the Constitutional Court, is preparing to press charges against Foreign Minister's Secretary, Chawanon Intarakomalyasut.

Chawanon has accused Noppadon of having caused Thailand to lose territory. Noppadon claimed that the joint communique is not against the law and will help foster better relations between the two countries. He also claimed that the army and Foreign Ministry officials have supported the joint communique.

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-- Tan Network 2009-06-22

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Security Tightened at Thai-Cambodian Border Following Tension over Preah Vihear Dispute

The Thai military troops have beefed up security along the Thai-Cambodian border after the Thai government declared its objection to the registration of the Preah Vihear temple as a world heritage site of Cambodia.

The situation at the Thai-Cambodian border in Sisaket province remains calm, and there have not yet been any movements of military forces by either side. However, the Thai military was seen patrolling the border road and army forces have been fortified in the area as well.

Reports have come in saying that the high-ranking military officers have ordered the officials who are operating in the area to understand the delicacy of the circumstances and always consider the good relationships between the two countries when taking any action.

This is due to the Thai government's having filed a disagreement over the registration of Preah Vihear temple as a world heritage site of Cambodia. This action has caused anxiety that the incident may lead to violence at the border of Thailand and Cambodia.

Meanwhile, the border checkpoint in Surin province, which is the site of a large-scale casino, has managed to gain the usual number of tourists and security enforcement has not been needed.

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-- Tan Network 2009-06-22

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Thailand takes temple row to UNESCO

Thailand is appealing to the United Nations cultural organisation to find a solution to its bitter row with Cambodia over an 11th Century temple complex.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has announced his country's heritage committee will ask the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to reconsider a decision giving control of the temple and its surroundings to Cambodia.

The decision has led to clashes between Thai and Cambodian border guards, with seven soldiers killed in the past year.

Thailand will ask a world heritage meeting in Spain this week for the grounds of the Preah Vihear temple to be placed under joint Thai-Cambodian maintenance.

Part of its argument is that most visitors approach the temple complex from the Thai side.

Dr Panitan Wattanayagorn, senior adviser to the Thai Prime Minister's office, told Radio Australia's Connect Asia program that Thailand is not blaming Cambodia.

"Most countries, Thailand in particular, are not blaming anything on Cambodia," he said.

"We are just concerned about the role of UNESCO." Dr Wattanayagorn says UNESCO needs to take responsibility and try to solve the problem.

"The relationship between Thailand and Cambodia was quite normal and stable until UNESCO allowed registration of the temple area - not (the) temple but temple area - to be done unilaterally," he said.

"It is the responsibility, we believe, that UNESCO should attempt to look into this issue closely and help try to solve the problem and try to come up with remedies."

Dr Wattanayagorn said that in areas "that are not clear, in areas that are overlapping ... UNESCO usually recommends the two countries or parties involved to jointly manage or register the areas.".

"We're simply reiterating UNESCO'S rules".

He said Thailand's position still was that the issue is unclear.

"But, of course, the International Court of Justice many decades ago issued a statement and verdict giving Cambodia the right over the temple, but not the temple area," he said.

"So we, as part of the world community, will recognise that verdict".

Cambodia has issued a statement rebuking Thailand for raising the controversial land claim again.

- ABC News (Australia) / 2009-06-22

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Army beefs up temple forces

The army has deployed a battalion of troops backed by heavy weapons near Preah Vihear temple in Sisaket province in case of further clashes with Cambodian soldiers. Army Chief Anupong Paojinda had ordered the Lopburi-based artillery to send the battalion of troops with 12 large artillery weapons to Pha Mor E-Daeng Cliff national park, a source said yesterday.

Gen Anupong also ordered a company of special warfare troops to guard the border area in the northeastern province with a battalion of infantrymen as reinforcements. There are now 3,000 infantrymen securing the border. The source said the additional troops and weapons were not sent to provoke clashes with Cambodian troops, but were there as back-up. Thailand had a clear policy not to use force to solve border disputes with Cambodia.

The wrangling over the historic temple ruins and recent strong reaction from Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen had sparked speculation of more clashes between the two countries. The army commander will today fly to the border area in Si Sa Ket, the source said.

Continued:

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-- Bangkok Post 2009-06-23

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Anupong visits tense Cambodian border

Army Chief General Anupong Paojinda made a visit to the Thai-Cambodian border area near Preah Vihear temple on Tuesday morning. His trip followed reports that reported Cambodia had sent reinforcements of troops, 130 mm artillery pieces and T-54 tanks to the border.

News media in Cambodia earlier reported there were unusual movements of Thai troops in expectation that the situation would become tense after Thailand asked the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to review the registration of the Preah Vihear temple as a world heritage site.

Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong also said his country was ready for any situation which might follow the

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/14...ambodian-border

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-- Bangkok Post 2009-06-23

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