Somchai seeks talks with Hun Sen, says external mediation not necessary

WASSANA NANUAM AND REUTERS

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat said he would seek face-to-face talks with Cambodian leader Hun Sen after the recent border clash near the 900-year-old Preah Vihear temple.

GRIPPING: Cambodian General Srey Dek, left, and Thai Colonel Chayan Huay Soongnern hold hands along the Cambodia-Thailand border. Cambodia’s premier vowed to improve the country’s defence capabilities, but insisted there would be no war with Thailand.

"I am looking for the right time to talk with him. We should have an opportunity to talk," Mr Somchai told reporters after visiting Thai troops stationed along the border yesterday.

The Thai leader echoed Hun Sen's comments on Friday that outside mediation was not necessary to solve the dispute.

"This is between Thailand and Cambodia. We should not let other countries get involved," Mr Somchai said.

Both sides have tried to ease tensions since at least two Cambodian soldiers were killed in Wednesday's 40-minute firefight.

Two Cambodians and seven Thais were wounded.

Both leaders were expected to attend an Asia-Europe Meeting (Asem) in Beijing next week to discuss the global financial crisis, but it was not clear whether they would meet on the sidelines.

Thailand's Second Army commander Lt-Gen Wibulsak Neepal said border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia are likely to ease soon as Cambodia is expected to be more willing to enter talks with Thailand.

He said military officers from both sides have been in regular contact and have worked closely together over the past two days.

"The situation should improve. Both sides have had lunch. We have been coordinating all the time," he said.

Lt-Gen Wibulsak, however, admitted that as long as Thai and Cambodian troops are stationed face-to-face, clashes at the border are possible.

Lt-Gen Wibulsak said army commander Gen Anupong Paojinda had given him full authority under the "Chakkri Phuwadol" national defence plan to take retaliatory measures in the event that Cambodian forces fired artillery across the border.

He said Thai troops would retaliate within reason but would try to prevent any small skirmishes from escalating.

Meanwhile, a Thai soldier patrolling at Phu Ma Khua was accidentally killed by a bullet from his own gun yesterday.

Private Winyu Polpruek, who was attached to the Second Infantry Battalion, suffered a gunshot wound to his head. He was taken to hospital in Ubon Ratchathani, where he was pronounced dead.