Toll Rises After More Border Clashes

[Lite Beer]

Toll rises after more clashes

By The Nation on Sunday, Agencies.

Ten soldiers killed on both sides following two days of fighting; Cambodia 'breached' accord

Clashes between Thailand and Cambodia continued for the second day yesterday, leaving 10 troops dead on both sides of the border

Six Cambodian soldiers and four Thai troops were killed in two days of the clashes along the border of Surin's Panom Dongrak district, according to officials from both countries.

While Cambodian field commander Colonel Suos Sothea told Agence France-Presse that three Cambodian soldiers were killed and 11 wounded in yesterday's fighting, Thai Army spokesman Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd said one Thai soldier was killed and 11 injured - after each side lost three soldiers on Friday morning.

Cambodian government spokesman Phay Siphan blamed Thai forces for instigating the clashes and claimed Thai warplanes were staging mock attack runs on Cambodian positions.

"This time we have seen on a number of occasions Thai F-16 aeroplanes. This time they are not just doing reconnaissance, but air support, but they have not dropped bombs," he said.

Cambodia also accused Thailand of using 75mm and 105mm "heavy guns loaded with poisonous gas" and said in a defence ministry statement that Thai military aircraft flew "deep into Cambodia's airspace". Colonel Suos Sothea, said the gas caused some soldiers who inhaled it to feel weak but did not cause serious injury.

However, Sansern said the Thai troops didn't fire first. Sansern said the fighting erupted yesterday at around 6am and continued - although with less frequent shooting - as of 12.40pm, when Sansern spoke on the radio. The fighting remained along the border, west of the Ta Muen Thom Temple in tambon Bakdai and to the east of the Ta Kwai Temple in tambon Ta Miang, Sansern said.

Announcing that the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs would issue another letter to explain the fighting to Asean countries as well as to Thai ambassadors in other countries, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya yesterday denied the Cambodian claims and insisted Thailand never used F-16 aircraft to invade Cambodian airspace or used poisonous gas. He said Thailand only used helicopters to transport the injured persons in the area, which also were far from the borderline. Kasit plans to visit Surin tomorrow to visit the injured and inspect the damage.

Urging the public to have confidence in the Army's power to protect the country, Sansern said that Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha had a clear policy of using troops to contain the fighting area - to prevent it from spreading and affecting more people. Thai troops fired at the Cambodian troops' artillery base to stop them from firing, he added.

Saying there were attempts to negotiate at all levels - including the Defence Minister, the Army chief, the Army Region 2 commander and on-the-field supervisors, Sansern said that both sides needed to want to negotiate for a ceasefire, not only the Thai side.

Sansern said the Cambodians breached the agreement between field officers that, as the Ta Muen Thom Temple and Ta Kwai Temple areas were in need of clarification, they should be weapon-free areas, in which one side had to keep the other informed on entering so as to prevent clashes. However, the Cambodians moved heavy weapons to the areas. So, the Thai troops sent a team to warn them but was fired at. The Thai troops had to fire in defence, he said.

Meanwhile, Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said yesterday that he had ordered the stockpiling of medical supplies and getting medical staff to be prepared in five local hospitals; Panom Dongrak Hospital, Kap Choeng Hospital, Buachet Hospital, Prasat Hospital and Surin Provincial Hospital. Mobile medical teams were also sent to the temporary shelters to assist thousands of the evacuees.

In related news, the body of Sgt-Major 1st class Wittaya Suanchupol, 46, who died in Friday's clash, arrived at Wat Nikhom Silaram in his hometown of Si Sa Ket's Mueang district. His wife Thongsuk said that although she grieved for this loss she was proud that he had sacrificed his life for the country. Si Sa Ket Governor Somsak Suwannasujarit also placed a royal wreath on behalf of Their majesties the King and Queen at Wittaya's funeral.

-- The Nation 2011-04-24

[Lite Beer]

'Bilateral talks best way to resolve conflict'

By The Nation on Sunday.

Thai government figures yesterday accused Cambodia of trying to internationalise the border dispute between the two countries by starting a new round of attacks.

"All of sudden they fired at us," Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwon was quoted as saying by Agence France-Presse.

"It could be that they wanted to internationalise the situation to attract a third country [to intervene]. We do not want to fight but have to retaliate when they fire at us".

The defence minister also called for the resumption of bilateral talks to resolve the territorial dispute. "We have to put pressure on them to go back to the meeting table," he said.

Acting Government Spokesman Panitan Watanayagorn said that Cambodia was trying to involve a third country in the border dispute by requesting the United Nations Security Council to act. He said that the UNSC was waiting for information from Thailand before making any decision about the matter.

"Thailand insists that both countries can solve the problem through the existing bilateral mechanism. We are determined to work with Cambodia in solving the problem but we also have to protect our people [at the border]," Panitan said.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who is in charge of security affairs, yesterday said the border row must be solved by the two countries without intervention by a third party.

-- The Nation 2011-04-24

[featography]

'Bilateral talks best way to resolve conflict'

By The Nation on Sunday.

Thai government figures yesterday accused Cambodia of trying to internationalise the border dispute between the two countries by starting a new round of attacks.

"All of sudden they fired at us," Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwon was quoted as saying by Agence France-Presse.

"It could be that they wanted to internationalise the situation to attract a third country [to intervene]. We do not want to fight but have to retaliate when they fire at us".

The defence minister also called for the resumption of bilateral talks to resolve the territorial dispute. "We have to put pressure on them to go back to the meeting table," he said.

Acting Government Spokesman Panitan Watanayagorn said that Cambodia was trying to involve a third country in the border dispute by requesting the United Nations Security Council to act. He said that the UNSC was waiting for information from Thailand before making any decision about the matter.

"Thailand insists that both countries can solve the problem through the existing bilateral mechanism. We are determined to work with Cambodia in solving the problem but we also have to protect our people [at the border]," Panitan said.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who is in charge of security affairs, yesterday said the border row must be solved by the two countries without intervention by a third party.

-- The Nation 2011-04-24

"Cambodia also accused Thailand of using 75mm and 105mm "heavy guns loaded with poisonous gas" and said in a defence ministry statement that Thai military aircraft flew "deep into Cambodia's airspace". Colonel Suos Sothea, said the gas caused some soldiers who inhaled it to feel weak but did not cause serious injury." maybe they got weak from the lunchtime refreshments

[Oberkommando]

It is obvious the bilateral route has failed.

However the Thai military does not want international involvement to broker a peaceful solution so this government cannot agree to third-party observers.

Stalemate.

[Lozman]

Isolate the disputed area...UN forces to patrol the area.....All Thai and Cambodian troops to withdraw and allow the UN to control the disputed territory until discussions resolve the situation.. Lets all live in Peace.

[dunkin2012]

Let my dude,Hun Sen ....... read an article similar to this one .

...

and feel it..... .........

[rubl]

Isolate the disputed area...UN forces to patrol the area.....All Thai and Cambodian troops to withdraw and allow the UN to control the disputed territory until discussions resolve the situation.. Lets all live in Peace.

No offence, but this could easily be yet another 'short-term' UN mission with a 'live-time' exceeding decades. It seems a larger part of the Thai-Cambodian border is 'under contest', also some nice, dense jungle out there with lots of mines buried by both sides. First step for the UN mission to build a fence around their 'mission area', secondly clear mines, thirdly build a road to ease patrolling, fourthly clear some annoying jungle, etc., etc. (not necessarily in this order).

Live long and prosper

[zzaa09]

It is obvious the bilateral route has failed.

However the Thai military does not want international involvement to broker a peaceful solution so this government cannot agree to third-party observers.

Stalemate.

There wouldn't be problems in the region if Thailand abided by the already concluded tribunal decisions - not in their favour, of course.

[webfact]

One Thai soldier killed in border skirmish in Surin last night; total Thai military death toll in clashes rise to five, 35 wounded / MCOT

[webfact]

Surin governor says no Thai villager has been killed or injured. No report of property damage /via@tulsathit /via@news1005fm

[webfact]

5th Thai Soldier Dies in Border Clash

The fifth Thai soldier has died in the latest round of border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia. He died it fighting around 2 A.M. last night. He is the fifth Thai soldier to have been killed in the latest round of fighting.

-- Tan Network 2011-04-25

[webfact]

Border Tension Remains Worrisome

The situation at the Thai-Cambodian border remains worrisome after clashes broke out over the weekend.

Clashes over the disputed area were reported on Sunday morning, with Thai and Cambodian troops exchanging artillery fire for around two hours.

News reports said the battle took place at 9.30 A.M. on Sunday near the Ta Khwai ruins in the northeastern province of Surin.

Clashes there killed three Cambodian troops and one Thai soldier, and three troops from each side died in fighting on Friday.

Thailand is reporting no new casualties, but Cambodia reported the death of six soldiers.

Surin provincial governor Serm Chainarong said the province has asked around 20,000 residents living along the border to relocate to 20 safe areas for the time being.

However, some locals have refused to do so out of concern for their personal belongings.

The clashes resulted in the closure of a border gate in Surin Province after the gate was open for only three hours.

Authorities said they met on Sunday afternoon to discuss the matter with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Also affected by the situation are people residing in the Ban Kraud District in Buriram Province.

Residents have been advised by local officials to move from their villages after a clash flared up Sunday morning near the Ta Khwai ruins.

However, officials are insisting that they'll take care of the 5,000 villagers by dispatching medical units to the five camps.

Latest reports indicate that four Thai soldiers have been killed and 27 have been injured, while six Cambodian authorities have said six Cambodian soldiers have died and 13 injured.

-- Tan Network 2011-04-25

[webfact]

Update: 12:01pm

Thai-Cambodian border clashes leave 12 dead

by Janesara Fugal

NONG KANNA, April 25, 2011 (AFP) - Thai and Cambodian troops faced off along their jungle frontier Monday after 12 soldiers died in the bloodiest fighting since a bitter border dispute flared up almost three years ago.

Tens of thousands of villagers from both sides have fled the cross-border shelling, which shattered an informal ceasefire that had been holding since February, when the UN Security Council called for a permanent truce.

Seven Cambodian and five Thai troops have died, including one on each side late Sunday. Another Cambodian soldier has been missing since Friday.

About 20,000 civilians have sought refuge in 16 camps on the Thai side of the border while about 17,000 have been evacuated from Cambodian villages.

Others, like 47-year-old Suwech Yodsri, stayed behind to guard their properties, despite the danger from shells falling in the area.

"I'm scared to be here but I have to be here to protect our village from looting," he told AFP in the Thai village of Nong Kanna in Surin Province, about five kilometres from the border.

"I believe political conflicts are to blame. Innocent people are just being used as a political tool," he added.

Residents said that since Friday about 10 shells had fallen in the village, which was almost deserted. A man carrying a rifle patrolled the empty streets on his motorcycle.

Tensions remained high but fighting appeared to have abated after three days of fierce clashes, which began on Friday.

"We are still on high alert because the situation remains tense," Cambodian field commander Suos Sothea told AFP by telephone from the border area.

It is the first serious outbreak of hostilities since February when 10 people were killed in clashes near the 900-year-old disputed Preah Vihear temple.

The latest fighting has been taking place near a different groups of temples about 150 kilometres (90 miles) away.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for a ceasefire and said the neighbours should launch "serious dialogue" to resolve the dispute.

The two neighbours have fought a series of deadly gunbattles in recent years in the jungle near ancient temples along the border, but none as deadly as the latest eruption of violence.

The frontier has never been fully demarcated, partly because it is littered with landmines left over from decades of war in Cambodia.

Ties between the two countries have been strained since Preah Vihear -- the most celebrated example of ancient Khmer architecture outside Cambodia's Angkor -- was granted UN World Heritage status in July 2008.

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

Cambodia has accused Thailand of using spy planes and poisonous gas in the recent fighting -- claims that Bangkok has strongly denied.

It also accused Thailand of firing more than 300 artillery shells on civilian villages.

Thailand recently admitted using controversial Dual Purpose Improved Conventional Munitions, designed to burst into bomblets, during the February fighting.

Indonesia, which holds the rotating chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations regional bloc, has called for an immediate end to the violence.

The neighbours agreed in late February to allow Indonesian observers near Preah Vihear, but the Thai military has since said they are not welcome and the monitors have not been deployed.

Bangkok wants bilateral talks to resolve the border row while Phnom Penh favours third-party mediation.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa had been expected to travel to both countries on Monday for talks on the conflict, but the visit was postponed "indefinitely", Cambodia said, although it was unclear why.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2011-04-25

[geovalin]

It is obvious the bilateral route has failed.

However the Thai military does not want international involvement to broker a peaceful solution so this government cannot agree to third-party observers.

Stalemate.

This is obvious.

Obvious for us but also for any honest observer.

Thailand cannot explain its stances because its not possible to understand them, even if you are clever and open minded.

[cdnvic]

One quote with messed up quotes removed.

[rubl]

This is obvious.

Obvious for us but also for any honest observer.

Thailand cannot explain its stances because its not possible to understand them, even if you are clever and open minded.

Explaining and having an explanation understood or not, are two different things. Both possible at the same time

[webfact]

Thai - Cambodian Situation

- Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand regarding the unprovoked armed attacks by Cambodian troops at the Thai-Cambodia border on 24 April 2011

Follow this link:

[webfact]

Thai Army Accuses Cambodia of Encroaching on Territory

The Royal Thai Army Spokesperson insists that the clashes at the border in Surin Province was the result of Cambodia forces encroaching on off-limits territory.

The Thai army defended its actions by saying that the army did not use cluster bombs or air strikes.

Meanwhile, commissioners of the third region police are quickly evacuating people from the border areas and are sending out patrol officers to protect people's property from burglary.

The Army Spokesman General Sansern Keawkumnerd said at a press conference that the military conflict at Thai and Cambodia borders in Surin province was caused by Cambodia's attempt to occupy the Ta-Kwai palace.

He affirmed that the Thai army did not create the conflict, but that it was justified in protecting our land.

The army source said that there have been 4 deaths,17 people injured and 27,000 evacuees. Additionally, 21 Cambodian soldiers were killed and 39 injured.

Four T54 tanks were damaged during the 3 days of clashes.

However, the army spokesperson pointed out that use of force is not the best solution, saying that there should be bilateral talks.

Thai troops are duty bound to protect the country's sovereignty as well as people's security.

-- Tan Network 2011-04-25

[metisdead]

Another quote with messed up quotes removed from view.

[rubl]

The army source said that there have been 4 deaths,17 people injured and 27,000 evacuees. Additionally, 21 Cambodian soldiers were killed and 39 injured.

Sad, very sad.

Can't help wondering what figures the other side has published

[Oberkommando]

Must take the TAN figures with a pinch of salt, most other sources are reporting 12 dead; 5 Thais and 7 Cambodians, all soldiers.

[dunkin2012]

Must take the TAN figures with a pinch of salt, most other sources are reporting 12 dead; 5 Thais and 7 Cambodians, all soldiers.

How did TAN know when both of 'em don't tell the truth?

........ sad ......

[webfact]

Thai soldier killed in border skirmish Sunday night

SURIN, April 25 – A Thai soldier was killed in a clash between Thai and Cambodian troops at border in the northeastern province of Surin on Sunday night, raising to five the death toll of Thai military in the current skirmishing which began Friday.

Gunfire was heard from 9pm Sunday to around 3am Monday, according to villagers in Phanom Dong Rak district, but no artillery shells landed on the Thai side and there were no reports of heavy weapons being used during the clash.

One Thai soldier was shot dead, raising the total death toll to five and the cumulative number of wounded Thai soldiers to 35.

About 25,000 border area residents in Surin and about 4,500 others in Buri Ram moved from their homes to temporary shelters.

Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul is scheduled to visit villagers at a shelter in Surin‘s Prasat district Monday morning to boost the morale of local officials and residents.

The renewed border clash between Thai and Cambodian troops occurred near the Ta Kwai temple and Ta Muan Thom temple in Surin on Friday morning. Sporadic clashes were reported since then as border demarcation remains a dispute of the two neigbouring countries despite attempts to resolve the problem through meetings of joint commissions at several levels. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-04-25

[webfact]

Noppadol has denied that Thaksin is in Cambodia, commanding Khmer troops on the border /TAN_Network

[rubl]

Noppadol has denied that Thaksin is in Cambodia, commanding Khmer troops on the border /TAN_Network

Nice to know, but what's the reason to make this statement? K. Noppadol just earning his keep?

[webfact]

topic continues:

Thai-Cambodian Border clash flares again

Follow this link:

//CLOSED//