Thais Turned Back Near Ta Moan Temples

By Heng Reaksmey, VOA Khmer Original report from Phnom Penh 08 October 2008

Khmer audio aired 08 October 2008 (968 KB) - Download (MP3)
Khmer audio aired 08 October 2008 (968 KB) - Listen (MP3)

Cambodian soldiers turned back 20 Thai soldiers who had crossed into Cambodian territory in Oddar Meanchey province Wednesday, a military official said.

The Thai soldiers were found near a waterfall about 1.5 kilometers from the Ta Moan temple complex, which has become a second point of contention in an ongoing border dispute, said Col. Nak Vong, deputy commander of Regiment 42, which is stationed in the area.

The soldiers encountered each other at around 10 am, and no shots were fired. The encounter occurred following a brief gunfight at Preah Vihear temple on Friday and the injuries by landmine of two Thai soldiers on Phnom Trop, near Preah Vihear temple, on Monday.

Oddar Meanchey Governor Pich Sokhen said the encounter was a "simple problem," and many similar incidents had occurred since a build-up of troops began July 15.

Cambodia and Thailand have been unable to solve a military build-up that began following Preah Vihear temple's inscription on a Unesco World Heritage protection list July 7.

Prime Minister Hun Sen and Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat are still expected to meet Oct. 13, despite a Thai political crisis that devolved into violence in Bangkok Tuesday.