Somchai seeks talks with Hun Sen

		The Thai PM yesterday visited a military hospital in eastern Ubon Ratchathani province. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

KANTHARALAK: THAI Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat said yesterday he would seek face-to-face talks with Cambodian PM Hun Sen after a border clash near a 900-year-old temple last week.

'I am looking for the right time to talk with him. We should have an opportunity to talk,' he told reporters after visiting Thai troops facing Cambodian forces along the border.

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

'This is an issue between Thailand and Cambodia. We should not let other countries get involved,' he said.

The Thai PM yesterday visited a military hospital in eastern Ubon Ratchathani province, where one soldier remains critically injured following a gunfight with Cambodian troops on their disputed border on Wednesday.

'I am saddened that soldiers have been wounded so today I visited them,' he told reporters.

Mr Somchai later flew to neighbouring Si Sa Ket province, where the violence erupted near the Preah Vihear temple that left two Cambodian soldiers dead and seven Thai troops injured.

Yesterday, the atmosphere along the border remained calm as field commanders from both sides conducted a joint inspection of their troops, ate lunch together and discussed how to prevent future flare-ups of violence.

Meanwhile, a renewed sense of patriotism is emerging, especially in Cambodia. In Phnom Penh, a restaurant has changed its 'Thai' name, local media reported yesterday.

The Olympic Khmer-Thai, a joint venture between Cambodian and Thai businessmen, added an 'l' to its title - becoming Olympic Khmer-Thlai.

'Thlai' means 'expensive' or 'noble'.

AFP, Reuters