Thailand-Cambodia border crossings reopen

[News_Editor]

Thailand-Cambodia border crossings reopen

2011-05-04 21:14:04 GMT+7 (ICT)

BANGKOK, THAILAND (BNO NEWS) -- Two checkpoints on the Thai-Cambodian border reopened on Wednesday after local military leaders of both countries held another round of ceasefire talks, the Bangkok Post reported.

According to reports, Thai 2nd Army commander Lt. Gen. Tawatchai Samutsakhon and Lt. Gen. Chea Mon, the 4th Army Region chief of Cambodia, agreed during talks that if there is a clash then the unit commanders of the two sides must immediately contact each other to stop it and prevent it from recurring.

Both checkpoints had been closed for 13 days, halting cross-border trade and leaving Thai and Cambodian traders without an income. It was expected border trade would fully resume tomorrow on one crossing and Sunday on the other one.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Monday said the Thai-Cambodian border situation is generally under control, however, sporadic clashes broke out on Sunday evening.

No casualties were reported during the latest clashes, but the fighting, which began on April 22, has resulted in the death of 17 people, including one Thai civilian. In addition, reports indicate that almost 100,000 civilians have been forced to evacuate their villages.

Last week, both military leaders also agreed verbally to a ceasefire, but less than one day after the agreement, a Thai soldier was killed as clashes erupted shortly after.

Both Cambodia and Thailand claim the 4.6 square kilometer area near the ancient Preah Vihear temple on their shared border, which has never been formally established. Cambodia requested Indonesian observers to mediate in the conflict but Thailand denied.

Tensions first escalated between the two countries in July 2008 following the build-up of military forces near the 900-year-old Preah Vihear temple. The United Nations Security Council urged both sides to establish a permanent ceasefire after at least 10 people were killed.

Clashes resumed in February as both nations claim the lands surrounding the ancient Hindu Temple, which has been damaged due to the conflict. The Preah Vihear temple dates back to the 11th century and is located on the Cambodian side of the border.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-05-04