Khmer Times/Jonathan Cox

(Preah Vihear) – Cambodian soldiers stationed at Preah Vihear temple said relations with their Thai counterparts have remained friendly despite reports that a controversial replica temple built by the Thai military could be reopened. A Thai commander funded the construction of a scale model of the temple complex on Pha Mor E-Daeng cliff earlier this year. After opening in April, the replica temple was quickly closed to tourists and covered in black cloth, and the commander who ordered its construction was transferred. But in an apparent reversal, Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said last week that the replica was to be reopened, the Bangkok Post reported.

Experts cautioned this move could escalate tensions on the border. “Any attempt to complicate this issue by building a replica of the temple in the vicinity of the border between the two countries, even it is in Thai territory, is a wrong move,” said Pou Sothirak, author of a book on the Preah Vihear conflict.

“Military stand-offs had flared up in the past to the brink of war,” he added. The soldiers stationed at the border have remained unconcerned amid rising tensions caused by the temple replica. Major Dara Chan, who has been stationed at the temple since 2010, the height of the border conflict with Thailand, said the tradition of friendly monthly lunch meetings between Thai and Cambodian soldiers has continued as usual.

read more http://www.khmertimeskh.com/news/25238/replica-temple-dispute-drags--on--but-soldiers-unfazed/

good to see ASEAN in action.

One of the reasons that the Thai and Cambodia soldiers have a cordial relationship is both sides know that the Thais have been on the loosing side in every military encounter since the mid 1970s.Of course the Thai generals have false ideas that they are going to win one of these days and keep trying to push it.All those ribbons and metals worn by the generals are for battles "not won".

Replica Temple Dispute Drags on, but Soldiers Unfazed----OP

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Oh, good, that's a relief ..... because if the soldiers were just a little bit fazed .

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like, ....what would you expect them to do, go home.....??............

Because the border dispute is all about the temple, innit. Nothing to do with "face", military posturing, inflating weapons purchasing budgets, justifying conscription and a bloated armed forces, inability to make and read maps etc.