Thai military decides to retain troops in disputed area

The Thai military decided Tuesday to retain troops in the disputed area near the Preah Vihear temple despite an ultimatum by the Cambodian prime minister for a pullout of Thai troops, the Army spokesman said.

Army spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the Army chief, Navy chief, Air Force chief and Supreme commander met and resolved not to pull out troops from the disputed area.

He said the three armed forces affirmed their readiness to deploy both troops and weapons to defend Thai territory.

The Nation