Cambodia and Thailand agree to remove troops from disputed border

[News_Editor]

Cambodia and Thailand agree to remove troops from disputed border

2011-09-16 09:31:43 GMT+7 (ICT)

PHNOM PENH (BNO NEWS) -- Thailand and Cambodia on Thursday agreed to remove their troops from a disputed area on their common border, officials said on Friday.

The prime ministers of both countries agreed to "redeploy troops" away from the disputed area near the temple, Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong said. He added that the redeployment of troops would require observers from Indonesia, the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations bloc, according to the Bangkok Post.

In July, a ruling by the Hague-based International Court of Justice asked both nations to withdraw military personnel from around the Preah Vihear temple complex, but neither side has pulled out yet. Last month, Cambodia withdrew approximately 1,500 troops from an area located 150 kilometers (93 miles) west of the Preah Vihear Temple as the two neighboring countries' military tension eased.

Both Cambodia and Thailand claim the 4.6 square kilometer (1.7 square miles) area near the ancient Preah Vihear temple on their shared border, which has never been formally established. However, the military tension has eased since the former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's Pheu Thai Party won a landslide victory in July's general election.

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 earlier this year 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.

Both prime ministers held talks on Thursday during Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's one-day official visit to Phnom Penh. According to Yingluck, the meeting went smoothly and was the opening of "a new chapter" in relations between Thailand and Cambodia, the Bangkok Post reported.

She also said that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen had promised to find ways for the early release of two Thai activists jailed in a Cambodian prison. Veera Somkwamkid and Ratree Pipattanapaiboon, from the Thailand Patriot Network, were detained for illegal entry and spying charges.

A Cambodian court on February 1 ruled that Veera and his secretary Ratree were guilty of espionage, illegal entry, and trespassing in a military zone. Veera was sentenced to eight years in jail and a 1.8 million riel ($450) fine, while Ratree was handed a six-year jail term and a 1.2 million riel ($300) fine.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-09-16

[Thailand]

Makes the Abhisit gov look pretty stupid but no doubt part of Hun Sen & Thaksins plans.

[phiphidon]

Makes the Abhisit gov look pretty stupid but no doubt part of Hun Sen & Thaksins plans.

Thats what happens when governments talk to each other rather than throw their toys out of the pram and refuse to negotiate. http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/no-border-observers-until-cambodia-withdraws-troops-thai-pm/672731.html etc.

[hammered]

It is a good step and it seems that at least on foreign policy this government is an improvement on the last one.

[williamp]

It could be the result of some conniving between Hun Sen and Thaksin - It would be made difficult for Abhisit so that when Yingluck becomes PM , miraculously all is solved .Now what sort of a mind could think like that ??

Edited September 17, 2011 by metisdead
Font reset to default forum font.

[WhySoSerious]

This is a good sign, and shows that the power of the warmongers within and behind the previous government has diminished. At least fore the time being...

[rubl]

The prime ministers of both countries agreed to "redeploy troops" away from the disputed area near the temple, Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong said. He added that the redeployment of troops would require observers from Indonesia, the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations bloc, according to the Bangkok Post.

Call me cynical, but what this says is that nothing is happening yet

(edit: add:

"The two leaders agreed to comply fully with an International Court of Justice (ICJ) injunction to withdraw troops from a disputed border area adjacent to Preah Vihear Temple and allow Indonesian observers to monitor a cease-fire, he said.

Yingluck and Hun Sen assigned their defence ministers to decide details of the Preah Vihear peacekeeping operation and the withdrawal of troops from the ICJ-determined demilitarised zone."

Edited September 16, 2011 by rubl

[tlansford]

It's

Thaksin's

fault

Edited September 18, 2011 by metisdead
Corrected misspelling of Thaksin's name.

[RedNIvar]

When you let a bunch of yellow crock pots pull your strings, basic diplomacy fails. Abhisit should take a page out of Yingluck's "Diplomacy for Dummies" handbook. It works. Abhisit like the Big Bad Wolf, huffed and puffed and flexed his military biceps, let a whole bunch of military men die and achieved NOTHING, nada. All it took was a little humility, a smile and diplomacy.

Lets hope this little bit of news is a positive start and hopefully will keep the Taksin Klux Klanners at bay and give Yingluck a break.

[colinscarr]

This whole sorry mess was stirred up by the Thai Patriots Network to cause problems for Thaksin's previous proxy government. I'm sure Abhisit knew all along that Thailand looked, at the very least, foolish in this dispute; but he was in hock to the army who were quite happy to help stir the pot. Now, while I'm no fan of Thaksin, at least his current proxy government is improving relations with the neighbours - even sending them extra gamblers in recent weeks:-).

Oh yes, there was another bonus, Veera will be continuing his holiday in Phnom Penh.

[cardholder]

It is a good step and it seems that at least on foreign policy this government is an improvement on the last one.

I guess it does make it easier when your brother has been an economic adviser to the 'other side'.

[AleG]

The whole "Yellow Shirts/PAD/Democrats caused the border fighting" makes no sense whatsoever, or else what would keep the same people to stir up trouble again and discredit the PTP government?

There haven't been any significant changes in the military structure, so the same people in the army then are in command now.

That's not to say that the PAD clowns didn't make things any better with their idiotic antics, but the break of hostilities, IMO, was a political ploy by Hun Sen on behalf of his "eternal friend" (one could only hope that in due time they both spend eternity together where they deserve)

[Siam Simon]

The whole "Yellow Shirts/PAD/Democrats caused the border fighting" makes no sense whatsoever, or else what would keep the same people to stir up trouble again and discredit the PTP government?

There haven't been any significant changes in the military structure, so the same people in the army then are in command now.

That's not to say that the PAD clowns didn't make things any better with their idiotic antics, but the break of hostilities, IMO, was a political ploy by Hun Sen on behalf of his "eternal friend" (one could only hope that in due time they both spend eternity together where they deserve)

It makes perfect sense if you replace the word 'Democrats' with 'Army'. imo It was an an attempt by that ugly triumvirate to scupper the general election, and only the Cambodian army's restraint/reticence stopped said uglies from achieving their goal.

[rubl]

The whole "Yellow Shirts/PAD/Democrats caused the border fighting" makes no sense whatsoever, or else what would keep the same people to stir up trouble again and discredit the PTP government?

There haven't been any significant changes in the military structure, so the same people in the army then are in command now.

That's not to say that the PAD clowns didn't make things any better with their idiotic antics, but the break of hostilities, IMO, was a political ploy by Hun Sen on behalf of his "eternal friend" (one could only hope that in due time they both spend eternity together where they deserve)

It makes perfect sense if you replace the word 'Democrats' with 'Army'. imo It was an an attempt by that ugly triumvirate to scupper the general election, and only the Cambodian army's restraint/reticence stopped said uglies from achieving their goal.

Cambodian army's restraint and reticence? Maybe I have to dig up some articles quoting relatives of PM Hun Sen who just happen to have high positions in the army.

Personally I think the only thing which saved 'us' from the hordes of barbarians is that sweet smiling lady, our dear PM Yingluck. Mind you, in this last sentence I'm just offering my opinion, just like you seem to do

(you like video clips?

http://mystic-center.com/Thai+standoff/

or just a historical overview

http://www.historyguy.com/thailand_cambodia_border_dispute.htm

and who upped the tension?

http://article.wn.com/view/2009/11/10/Tension_mounts_as_Thaksin_enters_Cambodia/

)

Edited September 16, 2011 by rubl

[Siam Simon]

The whole "Yellow Shirts/PAD/Democrats caused the border fighting" makes no sense whatsoever, or else what would keep the same people to stir up trouble again and discredit the PTP government?

There haven't been any significant changes in the military structure, so the same people in the army then are in command now.

That's not to say that the PAD clowns didn't make things any better with their idiotic antics, but the break of hostilities, IMO, was a political ploy by Hun Sen on behalf of his "eternal friend" (one could only hope that in due time they both spend eternity together where they deserve)

It makes perfect sense if you replace the word 'Democrats' with 'Army'. imo It was an an attempt by that ugly triumvirate to scupper the general election, and only the Cambodian army's restraint/reticence stopped said uglies from achieving their goal.

Cambodian army's restraint and reticence? Maybe I have to dig up some articles quoting relatives of PM Hun Sen who just happen to have high positions in the army.

Personally I think the only thing which saved 'us' from the hordes of barbarians is that sweet smiling lady, our dear PM Yingluck. Mind you, in this last sentence I'm just offering my opinion, just like you seem to do

(you like video clips?

http://mystic-center.com/Thai+standoff/

or just a historical overview

http://www.historyguy.com/thailand_cambodia_border_dispute.htm

and who upped the tension?

http://article.wn.com/view/2009/11/10/Tension_mounts_as_Thaksin_enters_Cambodia/

)

I rue the day that I gave you the link to Scooter's blog, uncle Rubl. We are losing you. Mea culpa .

[AleG]

The whole "Yellow Shirts/PAD/Democrats caused the border fighting" makes no sense whatsoever, or else what would keep the same people to stir up trouble again and discredit the PTP government?

There haven't been any significant changes in the military structure, so the same people in the army then are in command now.

That's not to say that the PAD clowns didn't make things any better with their idiotic antics, but the break of hostilities, IMO, was a political ploy by Hun Sen on behalf of his "eternal friend" (one could only hope that in due time they both spend eternity together where they deserve)

It makes perfect sense if you replace the word 'Democrats' with 'Army'. imo It was an an attempt by that ugly triumvirate to scupper the general election, and only the Cambodian army's restraint/reticence stopped said uglies from achieving their goal.

Since it didn't benefit the Thai army at all I'm not very inclined to believe that. On the other hand it greatly benefited Hun Sen and Thaksin/PTP, I don't hold the Thai Army in that low esteem to not known when they are making such an obvious own goal.

[scotbeve]

When you let a bunch of yellow crock pots pull your strings, basic diplomacy fails. Abhisit should take a page out of Yingluck's "Diplomacy for Dummies" handbook. It works. Abhisit like the Big Bad Wolf, huffed and puffed and flexed his military biceps, let a whole bunch of military men die and achieved NOTHING, nada. All it took was a little humility, a smile and diplomacy.

Lets hope this little bit of news is a positive start and hopefully will keep the Taksin Klux Klanners at bay and give Yingluck a break.

:partytime2:

[Buchholz]

It is a good step and it seems that at least on foreign policy this government is an improvement on the last one.

I guess it does make it easier when your brother has been an economic adviser to the 'other side'.

Economic adviser in 2009:

http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l570/rightie1/HunSenandThaksin.jpg

Keynote speaker for a meaningless "conference" today:

http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l570/rightie1/20.jpg

Edited September 17, 2011 by Buchholz

[Buchholz]

It could be the result of some conniving between Hun Sen and Thaksin - It would be made difficult for Abhisit so that when Yingluck becomes PM , miraculously all is solved .

Now what sort of a mind could think like that ??

Prime Minister Hun Sen and Thaksin hugged and addressed each other as "brother" when they met Saturday morning at the Cabinet offices.

The true depth of Hun Sen's affection for Thaksin is hard to gauge, but his very public backing of the former leader was clearly meant to irk the previous Thai government of Thaksin opponents.

-- (c) Associated Press 2011-09-17

[Buchholz]

(BNO NEWS) -- Thailand and Cambodia on Thursday agreed to remove their troops from a disputed area on their common border, officials said on Friday

.

The Phnom Penh Post, quoting the Foreign Minister, is reporting otherwise than the BNO News (who ever they are):

Hor Namhong, Cambodia’s Foreign Minister said, “Samdach [Hun Sen] said Cambodia cannot withdraw troops from the 4.6 kilometre square area, and we will keep this issue for the ICJ. If the ICJ judges that the area belongs to Thailand, Cambodia will offer it to Thailand.”

The Phnom Penh Post - Sept. 16, 2011

http://www.phnompenhpost.com/index.php/2011091651697/National-news/relations-back-on-track.html

Edited September 17, 2011 by Buchholz

[paulian]

Makes the Abhisit gov look pretty stupid but no doubt part of Hun Sen & Thaksins plans.

Abhisit may have been well educated and had Political experience, however, if there's one issue he blew big time was the border dispute over the temple. Any leader who refuses to give an inch or negotiate and compromise a disputed state issue should not hold such a position as he did. He has twice the experience and education of the current PM and she seemed to handle the situation in just a couple of months. Maybe that's where the saying comes from, "too smart for your own good".

[Buchholz]

Makes the Abhisit gov look pretty stupid but no doubt part of Hun Sen & Thaksins plans.

Abhisit may have been well educated and had Political experience, however, if there's one issue he blew big time was the border dispute over the temple. Any leader who refuses to give an inch or negotiate and compromise a disputed state issue should not hold such a position as he did. He has twice the experience and education of the current PM and she seemed to handle the situation in just a couple of months. Maybe that's where the saying comes from, "too smart for your own good".

Hun Sen hasn't been giving any inches and he's held his position for nearly 20 years.

The "situation" was handled because of the two hugging guys are buddies and the predecessor was not. Nothing really surprising about that.

[rubl]

Makes the Abhisit gov look pretty stupid but no doubt part of Hun Sen & Thaksins plans.

Abhisit may have been well educated and had Political experience, however, if there's one issue he blew big time was the border dispute over the temple. Any leader who refuses to give an inch or negotiate and compromise a disputed state issue should not hold such a position as he did. He has twice the experience and education of the current PM and she seemed to handle the situation in just a couple of months. Maybe that's where the saying comes from, "too smart for your own good".

PM Yingluck is in office since the 8th of August 2011. It took another one or two weeks to formulate and inform the parliament of the new government's policies. Somewhere in between there was the news that k. Thaksin would go to Cambodia to discuss a.o. the Maritime Zone contended and possible joint exploration. Too much comments and news withdrawn, never meant like that, nonsense. Today k. Thaksin is greeted by PM Hun Sen and will give a closed information session to Cambodian government people on 'economy'.

So now tell me, how did Ms. Yingluck handle the situation in just a couple of months and what did she handle ?

[paulian]

Makes the Abhisit gov look pretty stupid but no doubt part of Hun Sen & Thaksins plans.

Abhisit may have been well educated and had Political experience, however, if there's one issue he blew big time was the border dispute over the temple. Any leader who refuses to give an inch or negotiate and compromise a disputed state issue should not hold such a position as he did. He has twice the experience and education of the current PM and she seemed to handle the situation in just a couple of months. Maybe that's where the saying comes from, "too smart for your own good".

PM Yingluck is in office since the 8th of August 2011. It took another one or two weeks to formulate and inform the parliament of the new government's policies. Somewhere in between there was the news that k. Thaksin would go to Cambodia to discuss a.o. the Maritime Zone contended and possible joint exploration. Too much comments and news withdrawn, never meant like that, nonsense. Today k. Thaksin is greeted by PM Hun Sen and will give a closed information session to Cambodian government people on 'economy'.

So now tell me, how did Ms. Yingluck handle the situation in just a couple of months and what did she handle ?

Just read the article for starters ..... More than Abhisit ever accomplished.

"Thailand and Cambodia on Thursday agreed to remove their troops from a disputed area on their common border, officials said on Friday.

The prime ministers of both countries agreed to "redeploy troops" away from the disputed area near the temple, Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong said. He added that the redeployment of troops would require observers from Indonesia, the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations bloc, according to the Bangkok Post. "

[rubl]

PM Yingluck is in office since the 8th of August 2011. It took another one or two weeks to formulate and inform the parliament of the new government's policies. Somewhere in between there was the news that k. Thaksin would go to Cambodia to discuss a.o. the Maritime Zone contended and possible joint exploration. Too much comments and news withdrawn, never meant like that, nonsense. Today k. Thaksin is greeted by PM Hun Sen and will give a closed information session to Cambodian government people on 'economy'.

So now tell me, how did Ms. Yingluck handle the situation in just a couple of months and what did she handle ?

Just read the article for starters ..... More than Abhisit ever accomplished.

"Thailand and Cambodia on Thursday agreed to remove their troops from a disputed area on their common border, officials said on Friday.

The prime ministers of both countries agreed to "redeploy troops" away from the disputed area near the temple, Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong said. He added that the redeployment of troops would require observers from Indonesia, the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations bloc, according to the Bangkok Post. "

You mean to say that PM Yingluck on her courtesy visit to Cambodia smiled so nicely that PM Hun Sen immediately was smitten? More likely her brother who seems to be PM Hun Sen's 'eternal friend' had something to do with it. May I also remind you that these type of announcements always sound nice, but we still have to wait and see what will really happen? No need to complain of Thai army co-operation, that's a too easy excuse. Cambodian co-operation has a verbal angle, but no real action in these type of cases. Did you read the Sept. 16th statement, two days after PM Yingluck returned from Cambodia?

"Hor Namhong, Cambodia’s Foreign Minister said, “Samdach [Hun Sen] said Cambodia cannot withdraw troops from the 4.6 kilometre square area, and we will keep this issue for the ICJ. If the ICJ judges that the area belongs to Thailand, Cambodia will offer it to Thailand.”"

http://www.phnompenhpost.com/index.php/2011091651697/National-news/relations-back-on-track.html

[473geo]

I hardly call this news......good that the agreement has been reached.......but really Thaksin is thinking months if not years ahead of most, and nobody with a brain sees this development as anything other than expected........yes he built the relationship which is now benefitting Yingluck and Thailand........and of course might possibly assist in any effort to allow his return

[jayboy]

Makes the Abhisit gov look pretty stupid but no doubt part of Hun Sen & Thaksins plans.

Abhisit may have been well educated and had Political experience, however, if there's one issue he blew big time was the border dispute over the temple. Any leader who refuses to give an inch or negotiate and compromise a disputed state issue should not hold such a position as he did. He has twice the experience and education of the current PM and she seemed to handle the situation in just a couple of months. Maybe that's where the saying comes from, "too smart for your own good".

Hun Sen hasn't been giving any inches and he's held his position for nearly 20 years.

The "situation" was handled because of the two hugging guys are buddies and the predecessor was not. Nothing really surprising about that.

I doubt whether Thaksin is a buddy of Hun Sen other than reasons of realpolitik.What this poster really objects to is that the present government is edging towards a sensible solution with Cambodia, in contrast with the sheer incompetence of the previous administration.Abhisit and the appalling joke of a FM, Kasit, risked Thailand's interests to appease the reactionary factions in the military.It's still early days but what we are now seeing is sensible diplomacy rather than the banana republic antics of the last government.Once again hatred of Thaksin blinds some people to the advancement of Thailand's true interests.

[rubl]

I doubt whether Thaksin is a buddy of Hun Sen other than reasons of realpolitik.What this poster really objects to is that the present government is edging towards a sensible solution with Cambodia, in contrast with the sheer incompetence of the previous administration.Abhisit and the appalling joke of a FM, Kasit, risked Thailand's interests to appease the reactionary factions in the military.It's still early days but what we are now seeing is sensible diplomacy rather than the banana republic antics of the last government.Once again hatred of Thaksin blinds some people to the advancement of Thailand's true interests.

PM Hun Sen called k. Thaksin his 'eternal' friend. The appointment of k. Thaksin as economical advisor to the Cambodian government in 2009 was the reason for the Thai government under PM Abhsit to put the MoU on the disputed maritime zone and it's exploration on hold. That made sense. The one who knows about your position, thoughts, weaknesses and bargaining position starts to advise the other side, imagine. Nothing to do with 'Thaksin hatred', only with sound 'real-politiek'.

The 'fact' that all of a sudden the Cambodian government seems co-operative with the Thai government having done nothing yet seems suspicious. To suggest it's because of a different stance of the new Thai government is ridiculous. I've got it from a source close to the PM "it's too early, we will elaborate later, give us six months'. The seemingly friendly attitude is verbal only, a newsflash already has

""Hor Namhong, Cambodia’s Foreign Minister said, “Samdach [Hun Sen] said Cambodia cannot withdraw troops from the 4.6 kilometre square area, and we will keep this issue for the ICJ. If the ICJ judges that the area belongs to Thailand, Cambodia will offer it to Thailand.”"

http://www.phnompenhpost.com/index.php/2011091651697/National-news/relations-back-on-track.html

Edited September 17, 2011 by rubl

[jayboy]

PM Hun Sen called k. Thaksin his 'eternal' friend. The appointment of k. Thaksin as economical advisor to the Cambodian government in 2009 was the reason for the Thai government under PM Abhsit to put the MoU on the disputed maritime zone and it's exploration on hold. That made sense. The one who knows about your position, thoughts, weaknesses and bargaining position starts to advise the other side, imagine. Nothing to do with 'Thaksin hatred', only with sound 'real-politiek'.

The 'fact' that all of a sudden the Cambodian government seems co-operative with the Thai government having done nothing yet seems suspicious. To suggest it's because of a different stance of the new Thai government is ridiculous. I've got it from a source close to the PM "it's too early, we will elaborate later, give us six months'. The seemingly friendly attitude is verbal only, a newsflash already has

""Hor Namhong, Cambodia’s Foreign Minister said, “Samdach [Hun Sen] said Cambodia cannot withdraw troops from the 4.6 kilometre square area, and we will keep this issue for the ICJ. If the ICJ judges that the area belongs to Thailand, Cambodia will offer it to Thailand.”"

http://www.phnompenhpost.com/index.php/2011091651697/National-news/relations-back-on-track.html

Seems reasonable but the absence of that absurd little toad Kasit can only be to Thailand's better interests.

[rubl]

PM Hun Sen called k. Thaksin his 'eternal' friend. The appointment of k. Thaksin as economical advisor to the Cambodian government in 2009 was the reason for the Thai government under PM Abhsit to put the MoU on the disputed maritime zone and it's exploration on hold. That made sense. The one who knows about your position, thoughts, weaknesses and bargaining position starts to advise the other side, imagine. Nothing to do with 'Thaksin hatred', only with sound 'real-politiek'.

The 'fact' that all of a sudden the Cambodian government seems co-operative with the Thai government having done nothing yet seems suspicious. To suggest it's because of a different stance of the new Thai government is ridiculous. I've got it from a source close to the PM "it's too early, we will elaborate later, give us six months'. The seemingly friendly attitude is verbal only, a newsflash already has

""Hor Namhong, Cambodia’s Foreign Minister said, “Samdach [Hun Sen] said Cambodia cannot withdraw troops from the 4.6 kilometre square area, and we will keep this issue for the ICJ. If the ICJ judges that the area belongs to Thailand, Cambodia will offer it to Thailand.”"

http://www.phnompenhpost.com/index.php/2011091651697/National-news/relations-back-on-track.html

Seems reasonable but the absence of that absurd little toad Kasit can only be to Thailand's better interests.

The absence of k. Kasit will greatly please the Cambodian government. Is that in the interest of Thailand? Maybe, but not necessarily.

Anyway, there is an agreement to withdraw troops, but not sure from where, when and how many. I read somewhere that the general staff of Thai and Cambodian army would discuss this. Don't hold your breath.