Thai Troops Stand Guard Against Cambodians In Fresh Dispute

[toptuan]

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

I've met two. 30's and 40's. Yep, not so old yet.

Incidentally, one was a policemen. The other was a security guard at Angor Wat who was setting up "nighttime tours" at the historic ruins for the purpose of allowing his customers to make off with artifacts. $200 for a 2-hour tour. They still have a rapacious mentality.

[toptuan]

What dispute. The Khmers were never a treat to the Siamese. Not now, not ever....

Wow, understatement of the year.

[sriracha john]

Thai officials visit Cambodia Saturday to clarify stance on Preah Vihear issue

BANGKOK, June 23 (TNA) - Thai Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban on Tuesday said he will visit Cambodia Saturday on a mission to clarify Thailand's objection to the listing of the Preah Vihear temple ruins as a World Heritage Site to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) agreed to register Preah Vihear as a World Heritage Site of Cambodia in July, 2008.

Mr. Suthep said he and Defence Minister Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan would visit Cambodia to meet Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen to stave off any misunderstanding on the Preah Vihear issue between the two neighbouring countries.

He said Thailand and Cambodia had shared common stance to avoid border conflicts and the issue at the moment was not between Thailand and Cambodia, but Thailand and UNESCO's World Heritage Committee.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit said earlier the government would ask UNESCO's World Heritage Committee to review last year's decision to register Preah Vihear as a World Heritage Site when the meets this week in Spain.

He would also propose that the temple be registered jointly as a World Heritage Site by Thailand and Cambodia, not as a unilateral action by Cambodia.

Mr. Suthep said he hoped that after meeting, Mr. Hun Sen would better understand Thailand's stance.

In 1962 the International Court of Justice ruled that Preah Vihear belongs to Cambodia, but the most accessible entrance begins at the foot of a mountain in Thailand, and both sides claim overlapping portions of the surrounding territory.

Armed clashes between the two military forces have since then occurred periodically near the temple, especially in a 4.6-square-kilometre disputed area.

-- TNA 2009-06-23

[samgrowth]

Thailand going to war with Cambodia again?

[johnefallis]

--or everyone could get a hot dog and sit in the stands and watch the comedy of errors begin.

Sort of like the U.S. in Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea and Vietnam?

[toptuan]

--or everyone could get a hot dog and sit in the stands and watch the comedy of errors begin.

Sort of like the U.S. in Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea and Vietnam?

Don't turn every thread into an excuse for America-bashing. So lame.

[sriracha john]

Saber rattling at Preah Vihear

Thai soldiers have been put on full alert along the disputed border with Cambodia and been warned that an armed clash is possible, Second Region Army Commander Viboonsak Neepal said on Thursday. Lt-Gen Viboonsak said the Cambodian army had begun deploying more troops and artillery, including 10 large cannons and six tanks, near Preah Vihear temple.

The new Cambodian troops were dressed in new uniforms and armed with new rifles. They had set up camp about two kilometres across the border from Chong Sa Ngam in Si Sa Ket. Thai troops stationed along the border now had units on alert around the clock, he said.

"If there are bullets coming from the other side, the Thai army is ready to retaliate by any means necessary. "I have ordered all troops to show patience but be alert, and reminded them not to underestimate the situation," he said.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/14...oops-on-standby

-- Bangkok Post 2009-06-25

[sriracha john]

Khao Phra Wiharn Park closed to tourists indefinitely

The Khao Phra Wiharn Park in Sisaket has been closed to tourists indefinitely following the border tension between Thailand and Cambodia, the Director-General of the National Park, Animal and Forest Conservation Department said Thursday.

Kasemsan Jinnawaso, said the park, which is located next to the entrance to the Preah Vihear Hindu temple, will be closed to tourists until the situation improved.

Both Thai and Cambodian troops have been beefed up along the border after Thailand decided to register its opposition to the listing of the Hindu temple as a world heritage site.

-- The Nation 2009-06-25

[Plus]

Bottom line - Unesco's listing created only more problems with preserving the site. They should definitely reasses their approach.

[sriracha john]

Tense but calm around Preah Vihear

The Thai-Cambodia border remains calm despite troop reinforcements by both sides near Preah Vihear temple and the disputed area, Army Chief Anupong Paojinda said on Friday morning. There was no confrontation and the situation would not lead to violence, Gen Anupong said.

He confirmed Thai troops have been reinforced following reports that extra Cambodian troops and artillery had been deployed to the area. Gen Anupong said the two sides agree they do not want to fight.

Thai soldiers had been warned to be alert, but not to initiate a clash with Cambodian troops.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/14...ed-along-border

-- Bangkok Post 2009-06-26

[seri thai]

self-edited cos I missed the point entirely!

Edited June 26, 2009 by seri thai

[seri thai]

Bottom line - Unesco's listing created only more problems with preserving the site. They should definitely reasses their approach.

King Solomon says: UNESCO should now bring in a UN peacekeeping force to plant landmines in perpetuity to keep both parties out? Or hire a Taliban demolitions team to demolish it?

Can I get one of those white range-rovers cheap when they've finished with them?

Nobody comes out of this debacle looking good.

[sriracha john]

Thai Army on Alert after Cambodia Increases Forces Along Border

The Army Commander in Chief admits that more army officers have been deployed as re-enforcements to the disputed region along the Thai-Cambodia border, after the Cambodian government increased its forces in the area.

The Army Chief General Anupong Paochinda stated that after Cambodia had increased its army forces at the Chong-Sa-Ngum permanent border-crossing checkpoint in Sisaket province near Preah Vihear Temple, the Thai army has decided to employ more troops to the area.

The Army Commander said he has assigned the Commander of the Second Army Region , Lt-General Wiboonsak Neeparn to keep a close watch on the situation and report on movements.

The Army Chief said that the situation on the ground is still normal as neither Thai nor Cambodian forces is in battle positions, while commanders of both sides have made contacts and have come to a mutual agreement that they will not engage in violence.

Further, General Anupong Paochina reiterated that the Thai troops are to stay on guard and to avoid starting any violence.

2

-- Tan Network 2009-06-26

[Oberkommando]

Bottom line - Unesco's listing created only more problems with preserving the site. They should definitely reasses their approach.

It didn't seem to be a problem before the PAD tried forcing the government's hand in the matter, and of course having a PAD supporter in the cabinet doesn't help.

Previously Thailand wasn't going to object to the UNESCO listing.

Get a bunch of military backed fascists in power as we have now and this is what happens.

[sriracha john]

Troop pullout 'not on agenda'

The Defence Ministry will not discuss the withdrawal of Thai troops from the disputed area near the Preah Vihear temple ruins during the Thai delegation's visit to Phnom Penh today. Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon made clear the stance yesterday in response to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's condition that he would discuss the temple issue only if it concerned the withdrawal of Thai soldiers.

The Thai delegation of about 15 officials, including General Prawit and Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, is set to arrive in Phnom Penh today for talks after Thailand protested against the UNESCO's World Heritage Committee's decision to register the Hindu temple ruins unilaterally on behalf of Cambodia last year.

Mr Suthep said yesterday he would go to Cambodia as planned on a mission to clarify with Hun Sen Thailand's objections to the listing of the Preah Vihear temple ruins. He said his trip was aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.

Gen Prawit told reporters that Thai troops had to remain in the 4.6-square-kilometre area around Preah Vihear because it belonged to Thailand and both nations had reached an agreement that the land dispute would be handled by the Joint Boundary Committee (JBC).

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/1921...t-not-on-agenda

-- Bangkok Post 2009-06-27

[sriracha john]

Cambodian PM agrees to ease border tension, promote economic cooperation

BANGKOK, July 27 (TNA) - Thai Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban ended his one-day visit to Cambodia on a mission to clarify Thailand's objection to the listing of the Preah Vihear temple ruins as a World Heritage Site to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Mr. Suthep told reporters on his arrival in Bangkok that he had met with the Cambodian prime minister and Mr. Hun Sen asked him to convey the message to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and the Thai people that Cambodia will try to ease tensions along the border to create the good atmosphere to foster the bilateral economic cooperation and good relations.

The deputy prime minister said both sides agreed that the previous incidents at the border, particularly near Preah Vihear temple, would be considered the past and like a nightmare, and now the two nations should look ahead without looking back.

"I do not want to go in to the details but both sides affirm to jointly ease the border tension," the deputy prime minister said.

In 1962 the International Court of Justice ruled that Preah Vihear belongs to Cambodia, but the most accessible entrance begins at the foot of a mountain in Thailand, and both sides claim overlapping portions of the surrounding territory.

Armed clashes between the two countries’ military forces have occurred periodically since then, near the temple, especially in a 4.6-square-kilometre disputed area.

Thai prime minister Abhisit said earlier that the government would ask UNESCO's World Heritage Committee to review their last year's decision to register Preah Vihear as a World Heritage Site when the meet in Spain, during the week just ended.

During the one day visit, Mr. Hun Sen welcomed Mr. Suthep and Thai Defence Minister Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan at his home and the prime minister’s wife cooked lunch for the Thai guests.

Mr. Suthep said the talks were conducted in a friendly atmosphere as the two nations shared the same target -- to build a constructive bilateral relationship and strengthen economic cooperation.

Thailand and Cambodia agreed to move ahead with plans to build Stung Nam dam in Cambodia's Koh Kong province to supply electricity to Thailand's Trat and Chantaburi provinces, particularly to the Map Ta Put Industrial Estate, he said, adding that the project had been discussed by many governments but had not materialised.

The government, therefore, will re-launch the project, Mr. Suthep said.

Both sides will jointly develop the overlapping area in the Gulf of Thailand in order to share benefits from the undersea natural gas field, he said.

-- TNA 2009-06-27

[Plus]

Bottom line - Unesco's listing created only more problems with preserving the site. They should definitely reasses their approach.

It didn't seem to be a problem before the PAD tried forcing the government's hand in the matter, and of course having a PAD supporter in the cabinet doesn't help.

Previously Thailand wasn't going to object to the UNESCO listing.

...

When is previously? Thailand has withdrawn support for joint listing sometimes in 2007. Thai delegation publicly walked out of a meeting in January 2008. Noppadon fired the lead negotiator and took the matter in his own hands. By March-April the proposed listing was changed from "Preah Vihear site" to "Preah Vihear temple", in line with Cambodian demands for splitting the site along border line. In May PAD has brought the matter to the light and the hel_l broke loose. You can blame PAD for bringing it to public attention istead of going along with Noppadon's quiet reversal Thailand's long standing position (wouldn't it be wonderful if they all just shut up for good), but when the matter had become public it was clear that the opposition to Noppadon was spread far and wide and there was little chance of it passing through even PPP controlled parliament.

Cambodians presented the photos of Noppadon shaking hands and the banners and crap as evidence of Thailand's support and Unesco accepted it, even as Thai court rendered the agreement null and void and Noppadon resigned in disgrace.

Now the temple is closed, indefinitely, there has been casualties and the site has been shelled, and there are no prospects of Thailand agreeing to join the international commission to manage the site.

Well done, Unesco!

Keep the tourists away and let the military be in charge of security to make sure no one bothers the peace at ancient ruins.

Send "thank you" postcards to Noppadon.

[sriracha john]

ON GUARD: Cambodian soldiers standing guard near the Preah Vihear temple.

Bangkok Post

Tension rises near border

CAMBODIA DEPLOYS COMMANDOS

Cambodia has reportedly deployed 500 commandos to guard the Preah Vihear temple and disputed border area even though Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban claimed success over the issue in his visit to Phnom Penh. The deployment of the corps from the 911 Para-Commando Battalion comes after Mr Suthep made a one-day visit to Phnom Penh yesterday in a bid to ease tension on the border.

The renewed tension follows Thailand's decision to ask for a review of Cambodia's unilateral listing of the Preah Vihear temple with UNESCO.The commandos have been put under the direct supervision of Lt Gen Him Bunhieng, a close aide of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, who gave a warm welcome to Mr Suthep at his residence yesterday.

It is estimated that about 2,000 Cambodian soldiers are deployed in the disputed territories.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/1926...ses-near-border

-- Bangkok Post 2009-06-28

[jayboy]

Bottom line - Unesco's listing created only more problems with preserving the site. They should definitely reasses their approach.

It didn't seem to be a problem before the PAD tried forcing the government's hand in the matter, and of course having a PAD supporter in the cabinet doesn't help.

Previously Thailand wasn't going to object to the UNESCO listing.

...

When is previously? Thailand has withdrawn support for joint listing sometimes in 2007. Thai delegation publicly walked out of a meeting in January 2008. Noppadon fired the lead negotiator and took the matter in his own hands. By March-April the proposed listing was changed from "Preah Vihear site" to "Preah Vihear temple", in line with Cambodian demands for splitting the site along border line. In May PAD has brought the matter to the light and the hel_l broke loose. You can blame PAD for bringing it to public attention istead of going along with Noppadon's quiet reversal Thailand's long standing position (wouldn't it be wonderful if they all just shut up for good), but when the matter had become public it was clear that the opposition to Noppadon was spread far and wide and there was little chance of it passing through even PPP controlled parliament.

Cambodians presented the photos of Noppadon shaking hands and the banners and crap as evidence of Thailand's support and Unesco accepted it, even as Thai court rendered the agreement null and void and Noppadon resigned in disgrace.

Now the temple is closed, indefinitely, there has been casualties and the site has been shelled, and there are no prospects of Thailand agreeing to join the international commission to manage the site.

Well done, Unesco!

Keep the tourists away and let the military be in charge of security to make sure no one bothers the peace at ancient ruins.

Send "thank you" postcards to Noppadon.

This issue doesn't really grab me in the anal retentive way it does some.Actually what Noppadon proposed seemed perfectly reasonable but personally I think a joint listing is best given the historical baggage but what's presumably most desirable is that a significant heritage site important to both countries is well looked after.

The attempt to defend the PAD's opportunism on this issue is laughable.It was a classic fascist attempt to whip up nationalistic fervour although most Thais I talked to saw through this easily.I agree it's not easy dealing with Hun Sen's Cambodia but that's a different issue.

[Plus]

Thais cannot accept Noppadon's agreement that parts of the site on Thai side of the border don't have historical value and Cambodian explanation for it.

Unesco shouldn't have accepted the bid without Thai consent, and they were clearly mistaken when they thought photos of disgraced FM signing annuled agreement qualifies as Thai support and "joint" listing.

Having said that, I won't obstruct your physiological need to rant about pad fascism, go on, most of people have left that emotional wave a year ago.

[jayboy]

Thais cannot accept Noppadon's agreement that parts of the site on Thai side of the border don't have historical value and Cambodian explanation for it.

Unesco shouldn't have accepted the bid without Thai consent, and they were clearly mistaken when they thought photos of disgraced FM signing annuled agreement qualifies as Thai support and "joint" listing.

Having said that, I won't obstruct your physiological need to rant about pad fascism, go on, most of people have left that emotional wave a year ago.

On the subject of ranting, I will accept no lectures from you.

The PAD intervention on the highly sensitive issue of Preah Vihar was a classic fascist tactic.If you can't grasp that you don't understand history.I feel no need to rehash the past but let me point out it was you that suggested the PAD stirring up of nationalist sentiment was some kind of public service.

[Plus]

The agreement was illegal regardless of PAD. They just brought the matter to the public attention.

Let's not do lawyerspeak - "until it was ruled on by the courts it was all kosher", presumption of innocence and crap.

The agreement should have been discussed by the society, doesn't matter via the parliament or not.

[Datsun240Z]

economy is dying, and they are fighting over a fuc_king temple, jees. No wonder this world is going doing, everybody just cares for himself or his own ego

[samgrowth]

economy is dying, and they are fighting over a fuc_king temple, jees. No wonder this world is going doing, everybody just cares for himself or his own ego

Couldn't be said better.

[Plus]

What's "going doing" and why it can't be said better?

[sriracha john]

Suthep: Hun Sen to avoid violence at Thai-Cambodian border

BANGKOK, 29 June 2009 (NNT) - The Cambodian Prime Minister has assured that he would avert violence and confrontation from resuming at the Thai-Cambodian border, according to Deputy Prime Minister for security affairs Suthep Thaugsuban.

After discussion with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Mr. Suthep stated that the Cambodian leader insisted that he would try to stop violence and relieve the tension at the Thai-Cambodian border.

-- NNT 2009-06-29

[samgrowth]

Suthep: Hun Sen to avoid violence at Thai-Cambodian border

BANGKOK, 29 June 2009 (NNT) - The Cambodian Prime Minister has assured that he would avert violence and confrontation from resuming at the Thai-Cambodian border, according to Deputy Prime Minister for security affairs Suthep Thaugsuban.

After discussion with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Mr. Suthep stated that the Cambodian leader insisted that he would try to stop violence and relieve the tension at the Thai-Cambodian border.

-- NNT 2009-06-29

But who created the tension in the first place? PAD? DEM? Mark? Kasit? Sondhi?

[sriracha john]

Troops will stay put in temple area, Abhisit says

Thailand will not withdraw its troops from the disputed border area near the Preah Vihear temple, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva says. The prime minister yesterday reiterated the government's stance against the World Heritage Committee and UNESCO's approval of Phnom Penh's unilateral listing of the Preah Vihear temple ruins as a World Heritage site.

Mr Abhisit said he did not want the Preah Vihear issue to affect relations and other areas of cooperation between Bangkok and Phnom Penh. However, he said Thai troops would remain in the 4.6 square kilometre area claimed by the two countries close to the temple.

The prime minister said the government felt the need to reserve the right to maintain its opposition to the temple listing. The government is renewing its campaign against the listing of the 11th century Hindu temple ruins as Cambodia was due to submit a progress report to a World Heritage Committee meeting in Seville, Spain, after it successfully pushed for the ancient temple to be put on the World Heritage list last year. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti is in Seville seeking a review of the temple listing at the WHC meeting there. Mr Abhisit said he was waiting for the outcome of talks between the Thai delegation and the WHC.

Mr Abhisit said he had just learned that Unesco had decided to postpone consideration of the request for a review of Preah Vihear's World Heritage status until next year because it had not received information from Cambodia.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/1936...ea-abhisit-says

-- Bangkok Post 2009-06-30

[sriracha john]

Army Chief Pledges No Use of Force to Solve Border Conflict

Thailand's Army Chief affirmed that both the Thai and Cambodian governments are seeking to end the Preah Vihear and border disputes by peaceful means. The two parties may consider downsizing their troops, as deemed appropriate.

Army Commander-in-Chief General Anupong Paojinda said that both the Thai and Cambodian governments do not favor the use of military force to end the ongoing border conflict. He added that both parties consider the continued tension a waste of valuable budget.

General Anupong stated that the Army is considering scaling down its operations over the disputed border in compliance with the government's policy. An additional plan to downsize the military, as a whole, is subject to further discussion among parties involved.

He said the time frame for such discussions has not been determined, nor has the extent of downsizing been discussed.

-- Tan Network 2009-06-30

[sriracha john]

Army plans troop cuts near temple

World Heritage Committee to review site listing

The army plans to reduce troop numbers around the disputed Preah Vihear temple in a bid to ease border tensions with Cambodia. Army Chief Anupong Paojinda yesterday said there would be a reduction soon in the number of soldiers deployed around the mountain, where the ruins of the ancient Hindu temple sit, to comply with a recent agreement reached with Cambodia.

The agreement was reached between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon at the weekend, he said. "But there won't be a complete pullout. It will simply be an adjustment to bring down the number of troops stationed there," Gen Anupong said. "We still need troops in the area to reinforce our position that the area is ours."

Troop numbers around Preah Vihear should be reduced to the level the army maintained before the recent reinforcements were called in, Gen Anupong said. No exact time-frame has been set for the reduction. Further talks would be needed to specify troop levels that both sides would find acceptable, he said. An informed source said there were currently around 5,000 Cambodian troops and 3,000 Thai soldiers in the disputed area.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/1941...uts-near-temple

-- Bangkok Post 2009-07-01