Thais Adding Troops to Border: Commander

Cambodian military police officers patrol past a famed temple of Preah Vihear near Cambodia-Thai border in Preah Vihear Province, Cambodia, Friday, Aug. 1, 2008. Buddhist monks and government officials held a peace vigil Friday at an ancient temple near disputed border land, lighting incense and praying in the shadow of armed troops from Cambodia and Thailand.

(AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

By Mean Veasna, VOA Khmer Original report from Phnom Penh 04 August 2008

Thailand has added at least 100 soldiers to border positions near Preah Vihear temple, a Cambodian commander said Monday.

The addition of troops comes as both countries have been unable to solve a tense military standoff of thousands of troops and as Thailand secured military positions at another temple complex.

"The Ministry of National Defense told us [Thursday] that in two days, there would be a withdrawal of troops, and the announcement passed through the Thai infantry to the Thai regional military, but since the announcement, it has been four days already," said Maj. Gen. Srey Doeuk, commander of Military Region 4. "The Thais did not withdraw their troops; contrarily, they deployed more than 100 soldiers west of the temple, and they are digging trenches."

Officials said over the weekend Thailand had occupied and hardened defense lines in a temple complex where Cambodia claims two temples as its own. The Ta Moan temple complex is on the border of Oddar Meanchey province, west of Preah Vihear.

Officials also said Saturday a Thai soldier had died on the border, due to non-combat related injuries, but could not confirm the cause.

Bilateral talks last week led to promises of withdrawal on both sides, but no dates have been given and troops have not moved so far.

No new meetings have been scheduled between the two countries, government spokesman Khieu Kanharith said.

"The case is not in an alert situation," he said. "We are focusing on the preparation of the new government."