New Skirmish On Thai-Cambodian Border: Thai Army

[webfact]

New skirmish on Thai-Cambodian border: Thai army

BANGKOK, February 15, 2011 (AFP) - A Thai soldier was wounded Tuesday in a new skirmish on the tense Cambodian border, Thailand's military said, just hours after the UN appealed for a permanent ceasefire in the disputed area.

"Cambodia threw hand grenades into Thailand at around 5 am this morning (2200 GMT Monday)," Thai army spokesman Colonel Sunsern Kaewkumnerd said, describing it as a minor incident. "One Thai soldier was injured."

A Cambodian military commander near the border who did not wish to be named denied the accusation, saying Thai troops regularly threw grenades but Cambodian forces did not retaliate.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2011-02-15

[gemini81]

they just "threw" them into Thailand? Maybe true, but sure sounds fishy, waltzing up along the line and casually tossing some hand grenades (especially with rpg's and artillery at one's disposal) then he claims thailand did this? but wait, in the reports they've been separated by at least a few kilos..amazing thailand, amazing reports and media coverage

[londonthai]

so far nobody mentioned hand grenades thrown over the border, now it looks like a daily habit "denied the accusation, saying Thai troops regularly threw grenades".

similar was a few days ago with cluster bombs, each side claiming that only the opponent is using them.

all the conflict is tit for tat, without or against orders from the military commanders.

[webfact]

2 Thai troops injured in border skirmish

Si Sa Ket - Two Thai troops were injured in the latest border skirmish with Cambodia early Tuesday.

A source said the fighting occurred at 4 am at the Tone-aw Pass in Tambon Rung in Kantharalak district. The skirmish lasted only five minutes.

The source said Cambodian troops fired RPG rockets and mortars at the Thai side, prompting the Thai troops to retaliate.

The two injured troops were rushed to the Sappasit Prasong Hospital.

-- The Nation 2011-02-15

[Thai at Heart]

How close are these guys together, or has Cambodia got a secret deep right fielder?

[webfact]

2nd Army Area commander confirms one soldier wounded in new skirmish at Phu Makua,says Cambodian troops try to provoke Thai soldiers by opening fire first /MCOT

[webfact]

Thailand, Cambodia still at odds after UN appeal

by Boonradom Chitradon

BANGKOK, February 15, 2011 (AFP) - Thailand and Cambodia showed no sign Tuesday of narrowing their differences on how to end a deadly border rift, with Bangkok reporting a new skirmish just hours after a UN appeal for a lasting ceasefire.

Thailand said one of its soldiers was wounded in the latest flare-up at the frontier early Tuesday but described the incident as relatively minor. The two armies accused each other of using hand grenades.

Bangkok urged its neighbour to return to the table for bilateral talks to settle the row centred on a 900-year-old temple, which erupted into four days of armed clashes earlier this month, leaving at least 10 people dead.

"When the international community thinks the problem should be solved through negotiation, Cambodia has no reason to refuse. They should return to the talks," Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said.

But Phnom Penh rejected the call, insisting on the need for third-party mediation.

"Bilateral negotiations do not work," said Cambodian Foreign Ministry spokesman Koy Kuong, who described a UN Security Council meeting on the matter as "a success" for his country.

"Cambodia's stance is to resolve the dispute peacefully," he said, but "all negotiations must always have the participation of a third party".

He added: "What Cambodia wants is a permanent ceasefire. This is the most important issue."

The two sides are at odds over a border area surrounding the Preah Vihear temple, an 11th century clifftop ruin that belongs to Cambodia but whose designation as a World Heritage site sparked the ire of Thai nationalists.

The two Southeast Asian neighbours blame each other for the crisis.

In New York, UN Security Council members called for "maximum restraint" in the standoff, council president Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti of Brazil said after a closed-door meeting attended by the foreign ministers of the two countries as well as Indonesia, which has tried to mediate in the dispute.

"Members of the Security Council urge the parties to establish a permanent ceasefire and to implement it fully," she said.

But just hours later the two countries' armies were trading accusations again about the latest incident.

"Cambodia threw hand grenades into Thailand at around 5:00 am this morning (2200 GMT Monday)," Thai army spokesman Colonel Sunsern Kaewkumnerd said. "One Thai soldier was injured."

A Cambodian military commander near the border who did not wish to be named denied the charge, saying Thai troops regularly threw grenades but Cambodian forces did not retaliate.

Viotti said the UN Security Council supported the Indonesian mediation efforts.

"The idea is to work in synergy with the regional efforts -- and right now regional efforts are in full force -- and resolve the situation peacefully and through effective dialogue," she said.

While Cambodia won support for its calls for outside mediation to help end the standoff, the council did not endorse its request to deploy UN peacekeepers into the contested area.

Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong accused Thailand of using internationally outlawed bombs and munitions in the conflict.

"We deny all of that and we did not shoot first. It was a response," his Thai counterpart Kasit Piromya said.

The Thai minister said there was no need for UN peacekeepers and the option had not been discussed in the Security Council session.

Kasit said he had not met his Cambodian counterpart one-on-one in New York, but there would be an opportunity to do so during a meeting of foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Jakarta on February 22.

He also told Thai television that he had proposed a meeting on February 27 of a joint commission set up previously with Cambodia to try to resolve the border dispute.

"We are ready to talk any day. It depends on Cambodia's decision," he said.

Thailand has laid the blame for the crisis on UNESCO's decision to declare the temple ruins a World Heritage site even though the land around it is disputed.

The World Court ruled in 1962 that the temple belonged to Cambodia, but both countries claim ownership of a 1.8-square-mile (4.6-square-kilometre) surrounding area.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2011-02-15

[thailandbluegrass]

I didn't do it, He did.

[whybother]

I didn't do it, He did.

Did not. You did.

[stepenwolf1958]

When UN officially publish their decision from meeting, when officially the note is sent to both sides, we can see will be UN decision respected or not.

Usually there, in note, will be a date and time as of ceasefire as an obligation for both sides.

I doubt things will stop, as Cambodians already claimed they want UN intervention, buffering zone by blue helmets so as they will not be satisfied just with UN order for ceasefire, so perhaps they could continue with provoking Thais.

On the other hand, Thais knowing for that need of Cambodians, could arrange small attacks, clashes, provocations but blaming Cambodians.

It would not be the first time in history of border clashes in the world.

So, time will tell.

I would like to see official statement or decision of UN. Any one can place it here, please?

[Buchholz]

Fighting breaks out in temple dispute

BANGKOK, Feb. 15 (UPI) -- Cambodian and Thai forces fought along the border Tuesday in an ongoing dispute about an ancient Hindu temple, a Thai military official said. Thai military spokesman Sansern Kaewkumnerd said the fighting broke out when the Cambodian military tossed hand grenades and the Thai army responded with gunfire, CNN reported.

Officials said five Thai soldiers were wounded, one seriously, in the skirmish, the Bangkok Post reported. On Monday, the U.N. Security Council urged the two nations to declare a truce and begin talks to end their dispute over Preah Vihear temple. "The members of the Security Council called on the two sides to display maximum restraint and avoid any action that may aggravate the situation," Ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti of Brazil said in a statement.

Read more: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2011/02/15/Fighting-breaks-out-in-temple-dispute/UPI-74521297773482/#ixzz1E27CO662

UPI - Feb. 15, 2011

[MaiChai]

I have an idea: Cambodia can have the land around the temple if they give up rights to the sea border dispute

[Lite Beer]

Thai soldier wounded in new skirmish at disputed border: Army

BANGKOK, Feb 15 - The Thai army on Tuesday confirmed one soldier was wounded in a new skirmish which broke out early this morning in the disputed border zone, with Cambodian troops opening fire first, just hours after the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) called for a permanent ceasefire.

Thai army spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnered said the clash occurred at 5am, with Cambodian soldiers throwing hand grenades and firing into Thai territory, injuring one soldier on duty. The Thai troops had to retaliate appropriately, he said.

Col Sansern however asserted that the latest incident has not affected the daily life of people living along the border as the clash occurred in frontline area which is quite far from residential zones.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Tuesday said he has been informed of the matter, but declined to comment on the casualties.

Meanwhile, Chokchai Saikaew, president of Sao Thongchai Sub-district Administrative Organisation in Si Sa Ket's Kantaralak district, reported there was an exchange of gunfire at 11pm Monday at Phu Makua. The clash lasted about two hours. Another round of shooting erupted again in the area between 5-7.30am. Five Thai soldiers were wounded in the skirmishes, one of them seriously injured.

Si Sa Ket governor Somsak Suwansujarit said the brief skirmish occurred as the neighbour's troops were scouting into Thai territory. The Thai soldiers told them to return to Cambodia but they were attacked by the Cambodian soldiers, with both sides exchanging gunfire.

The governor said he has warned local residents to stay in shelters if they hear one or two gunshots, but if the shooting lasts longer than thirty minutes, they should be ready for evacuation to safer areas.

Mr Somsak said the latest skirmish forced the evacuation of several villages along the disputed border to the temporary camp at the Kantararak district office.

The Tuesday clash burst out a few hours after Brazil's UN Ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, current council president, called on Thailand and Cambodia to establish a permanent ceasefire. The council also backed the efforts of the 10-member ASEAN to help resolve the conflict in the disputed border region surrounding Preah Vihear temple.

The council president made the call after a closed-door session with Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong and Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa in his capacity as the current chair of ASEAN. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-02-15

[mkawish]

they just "threw" them into Thailand? Maybe true, but sure sounds fishy, waltzing up along the line and casually tossing some hand grenades (especially with rpg's and artillery at one's disposal) then he claims thailand did this? but wait, in the reports they've been separated by at least a few kilos..amazing thailand, amazing reports and media coverage

From the vintage point around PraVeHarn temple....

it is conceivable to toss something down the cliff toward Thai soldiers below.... right?

[Buchholz]

Five Thai soldiers wounded in the latest flare-up with Cambodia

Five Thai soldiers were injured in the latest flare-up at the Thai-Cambodian frontier in Si Sa Ket's Kantararak district early Wednesday morning near Preah Vihear Temple.

One of them was seriously wounded and was rushed to a hospital in nearby province of Ubon Ratchathani.

The fighting started at about 5am and ended around 7.30am.

The fighting happened despite UN's calls for both sides to exercise maximum restraints and settled the disputes via peaceful means and dialogue.

-- The Nation 2011-02-16

[Siripon]

How close are these guys together, or has Cambodia got a secret deep right fielder?

They are within 30 metres at some points, I agree with those who say Hun Sen will do anything to get the UN or an ASEAN force to step in.

[Buchholz]

Army Spokesman Reports on Thai-Cambodian Clash After UNSC Meeting

The army spokesman said Cambodia's recent grenade attack was intended to provoke Thai soldiers.

Army Spokesman Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd said on February 15 that Cambodia has sent patrol troops to the border area of Sisaket province early Tuesday morning.

The Cambodian troops then opened fire and threw grenades at Thai troops, leading to retaliation from the Thai side.

The fighting seriously wounded one Thai soldier Corporal Ratchapon Yospanya.

He has been sent to Ubonratchathani Hospital. Four other soldiers were also reportedly injured in the attack.

The spokesman pointed that the clash occurred at small border area away from villages, reiterating that the public was safe from the clashes.

Second Region Army Commander Lieutenant General Tawatchai Samutsakorn admitted that there was a clash at the overlapping area called Phu Makua, which left five Thai soldiers injured.

Tawatchai asked all soldiers to remain patient as the government attempts to solve the problem through bilateral talks.

He went on to say that Thailand will not make any attacks to escalate the problem, and will only retaliate to protect the nation's sovereignty.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-16

[Buchholz]

Cambodian soldiers stand in formation during a visit by politicians to a military base situated near the disputed Preah Vihear temple, along the Cambodia-Thai border. The foreign ministers of Cambodia, Thailand and Indonesia held a closed door session at the UN recently in an attempt to mediate a conflict over a disputed temple on the Thai-Cambodia border.

AFP/Tue Feb 15

[mkawish]

How close are these guys together, or has Cambodia got a secret deep right fielder?

They are within 30 metres at some points, I agree with those who say Hun Sen will do anything to get the UN or an ASEAN force to step in.

I think you might have missed HuSen statement regarding what his ultimate intent is....

HuSen already stated that he only wanted UN interference and not any others....

So he is trying for the second or third time to get the UN involvement....

knowing very well that his counterpart Apisit and SuThep are just way too inexperient for him....

The UN door is already shut.... permanently for this matter and at this time....

[hammered]

Take a look in the unmentionable news source for a small article by its military correspondent to understand what these skirmishes are about and why Cambodia will continue to launch them. By the way she is no friend of the current government.

At some point Thailand may retaliate heavily to these constant small attacks but that feeds into another Cambodian plan of wanting UN intervention

[SomTumTiger]

Anyone still think Cambodia is not the instigator of these actions? I seems like they keep poking Thailand, hoping for an overreaction, so they can scream to the media. We know how well that strategy worked for Thaksin. Seems like Hun Sen is following in his footsteps lol.

[Robby nz]

Explosions heard from Cambodia believed attempted provocation

Story on that in todays news on this site.

Hope its not a wing of the temple going down to try to show that Hun Sen wasnt telling porkies when he claimed it was demmolished by Thai artillary.

[Credo]

Thailand, by not settling the border dispute, is holding Preah Vihear temple as hostage. The Border Committee won't meet, the gov't won't agree to any plan by Cambodia.

This passive-aggressive behavior on the part of Thailand will get some action from Cambodia.

[SomTumTiger]

Thailand, by not settling the border dispute, is holding Preah Vihear temple as hostage. The Border Committee won't meet, the gov't won't agree to any plan by Cambodia.

This passive-aggressive behavior on the part of Thailand will get some action from Cambodia.

Thailand is surrounded by Burma, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. They have been sorting through border issues for centuries, and I just as soon leave them at it, in whatever fashion they see fit. But i imagine you can't show weakness with that group, otherwise you lose their respect, and then sh$t really hits the fan.

[Buchholz]

Shelling Heard at Thai-Cambodian Border

There have been reports of more than 30 shots of artillery fire last night at the disputed Thai-Cambodian border area near where the Si Sa Ket governor was staying overnight with evacuated villagers to help calm their nerve.

Si Sa Ket provincial police have dispatched units on patrol at various villages adjacent to the disputed Preah Vihear Temple area, particularly villages in Saothongchai, Puphamok and Roong subdistricts, to maintain order and assist the Second Army Region in border security operations.

Saothongchai subdistrict chief Chokchai Saikaew stated that in early hours around 2 to 4 A.M., sounds resembling artillery fire were heard near Nong Udom village in Kantharalak district.

He went on to say that around 30 to 40 shots were heard near the disputed 4.6 square kilometer area, but there were no reports of a return fire from Thai troops.

Meanwhile, Si Sa Ket Governor Somsak Suwansujit stated that he stayed overnight at Roong village in Kanthralak district and heard the sounds that resembled artillery fire.

He claimed the shots heard were from Cambodian territory which he believed were meant to provoke Thai forces.

Somsak went on to say that from the total of 326 existing underground bunkers, 297 are in need of repairs and 451 additional bunkers will be constructed at villages across the province, awaiting budget approval from the provincial administration office.

As for repairs on damaged homes and properties, Somsak said they should be completed within the next 35 days.

And despite reports of sounds of possible artillery fire, villagers have not been evacuated as the sounds were from Cambodian territory.

However, villagers in Phumsarol , Nongmek and Summeng villages are uncertain about their safety and have been closely monitoring the situation.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-16

[mkawish]

I lament for Thailand, particularly Thai citizen along the eastern border....

The overly timid approach of the current Thai leadership is beyond understanding....

The country is at the edge of losing its territorial to the Camb and HuSen....

yet Apisit and his deputies are still acting coyly toward the aggressor HuSen....

The ability and appropriateness and loyalty of Apisit and his cabinet have already been called into question....

Just how much longer will the Thai citizen put up with such horrendous traitorlike exhibition of ignorance and cowardice....?

[SantiSuk]

How close are these guys together, or has Cambodia got a secret deep right fielder?

They are within 30 metres at some points, I agree with those who say Hun Sen will do anything to get the UN or an ASEAN force to step in.

Wouldn't you want the UN to be around if you had a much stronger army camped on your border with every sign that that army was apparently uncontrolled by its government and where political instability in its nation meant that irrational acts of aggression could not be ruled out?

I don't like acting as an apologist for a despot but I have some sympathy with Cambodia on this dispute.

[mkawish]

How close are these guys together, or has Cambodia got a secret deep right fielder?

They are within 30 metres at some points, I agree with those who say Hun Sen will do anything to get the UN or an ASEAN force to step in.

Wouldn't you want the UN to be around if you had a much stronger army camped on your border with every sign that that army was apparently uncontrolled by its government and where political instability in its nation meant that irrational acts of aggression could not be ruled out?

I don't like acting as an apologist for a despot but I have some sympathy with Cambodia on this dispute.

Rather than acting aggressive toward a neighbor, perhaps Camb HuSen ought to do his own thing inside his own territory....

Going around shooting verbal and cannon assault is not a recommended way toward achieving peace with neighbors....

Then asking for another entity to come to the rescue and to referee his own aggression is tended toward lunacy....

[Robby nz]

I lament for Thailand, particularly Thai citizen along the eastern border....

The overly timid approach of the current Thai leadership is beyond understanding....

The country is at the edge of losing its territorial to the Camb and HuSen....

yet Apisit and his deputies are still acting coyly toward the aggressor HuSen....

The ability and appropriateness and loyalty of Apisit and his cabinet have already been called into question....

Just how much longer will the Thai citizen put up with such horrendous traitorlike exhibition of ignorance and cowardice....?

Isnt that pretty much what was said about the Thai Govt's approach to the red shirts riots?

We see the Thai Govt now excercising caution, I would think in an attempt to limit the loss of life and damage, in its approach to what is in reality a situation engineered by Hun Sen for his own ends or for the ends of his probable backer.

Hun Sen needs to get himself and his backward little country on the world map so wants to milk this for every international headline he can get.

The only thing most in the rest of the world know about Cambodia, if they have heard about it at all, is Pol Pot and the killing fields.

If Hun Sen had been genuine about wanting to develope the temple into an international tourist attraction he would have come and talked to Thailand before he started building his road and getting the temple listed as a world heritage site.

Then the disputed area could have been developed by both countries for their mutual benefit, with no doubt Thailand paying the bills.

Then of course we have the goast of Govt past whoes dirty fingers are, I suspect, up to the elbows in this.

Incidentaly Hun Sen learnt his diplomacy and governance skills under Pol Pot.

[animatic]

It only takes one or two, clandestine, and non-army / non-govt. teams of snipers or grenadiers, to touch this off each time peace comes. Someone has a vested interest in this staying flared up. It could be revenge, or prevention of profiting by their competition in some business, like casinos etc.

That could mean it is neither the Thai Army or Hun Sens forces. Everybody here seems to go on the assumption that one or the other side is kicking it off again, when it could as easily be a third party with other motivations. And that can easily explain why BOTH sides cry, 'they started firing first, we just retaliated'

Edited February 17, 2011 by animatic