The World Court ruled in 1962 that the Preah Vihear temple was situated inside Cambodia. Cambodian and Thai troops have fought heavy gunbattles on their disputed border as months of tensions boiled over, leaving three soldiers dead just days before a key regional summit.
(afp.com)
Thai soldiers walk along a road in the disputed border area with Cambodia of Preah Vihear temple, in Si Sa Ket province April 3, 2009. One Thai soldier was killed and seven others wounded on Friday in fighting with Cambodian troops near the disputed Hindu temple on their border, a Thai general said. REUTERS/Stringer (THAILAND POLITICS MILITARY CONFLICT) THAILAND OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN THAILAND
Thai soldiers stand guard in the disputed border area with Cambodia of Preah Vihear temple, in Si Sa Ket province April 3, 2009. One Thai soldier was killed and seven others wounded on Friday in fighting with Cambodian troops near the disputed Hindu temple on their border, a Thai general said. REUTERS/Stringer (THAILAND CONFLICT POLITICS MILITARY) THAILAND OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN THAILAND
Reported by Khmerization
The fighting between Cambodian and Thai troops which broke out at 7 am on Friday 3rd April has resulted in heavy casualties on the Thai side. Up till 5:46 pm today, four Thai soldiers had reportedly been killed and 10 captured, according to Deum Ampil newspaper which quoted the Cambodian government spokesman, Mr. Khieu Kanharith.
According to the same Deum Ampil newspaper, up to 4:32 pm today, there is no reported casualty on the Cambodian side.
Deum Ampil newspaper further reported that, at 4 pm today, 2 Thai helicopters had been seen landed at a nearby helipad to evacuate the dead and the wounded Thai soldiers.
Deum Ampil also reported that the Cambodian side had gained advantage over the Thai side by capturing 12 artillery positions near Sombok Khmum (Beehive).
The newspaper also reported that the Cambodian side had taken full control of the areas after the Thai side had abandoned their positions and withdrawn to the Thai side of the borders. This military reality had forced the Thai side to request for a negotiation, reported Deum Ampil.
The fighting broke out at Veal Entry when 20 t0 30 Thai troops had entered the Cambodian territories at 7:05 am on Friday (3rd April, 2009). The fighting lasted 5-10 minutes and stopped after the Thai commander requested for a negotiation. All Thai troops who entered Veal Entry have withdrawn to the Thai side of the borders after the fighting had stopped.
At 11 am, Cambodia's Gen. Srey Doek and Thailand's Gen. Awuth Saengchak, deputy commander of Wat Keo Sekha Kirisvarak pagoda and Sombok Khmun area, met for two hours at Wat Keo Sekha Kirisvarak pagoda.
According to Deum Ampil, in the meeting Gen. Srey Doek told the Thai commander that he implemented Prime Minister Hun Sen's orders, which is Cambodia "will not push one milimetre forward nor retreat one milimetre backward".
Gen. Srey Doek warned Thai troops not to encroach on Cambodian territories again or will be faced with attacks.
The latest news from Preah Vihear reported that at Sombok Khmum both side had 30 troops facing each other but there is no fighting.
The news also said that Cambodian soldiers had evacuated all Khmer villagers living near the Preah Vihear temple to a safe place on the foot of the Preah Vihear mountain.
The Cambodian and Thai Border Commissions have been scheduled to meet in Phnom Penh on 6-7 April, 2009.
3 comments:
Armed conflict should be avoided at all cost, but when the Cambodian territories had been repeatedly encroached and violated by the Thai troops, the Cambodian border soldiers cannot sit still and watch their territories being violated everyday before their eyes. When the Thai side would not take no for an answer, then armed clashes cannot be avoided. The Thais must know that the Cambodian patience has its limits.
Cambodian Armed Forces must be well equipped, well trained and well fed. This will make the Thais think twice about invading Cambodia's territory. Hun Sen's regime must put a stop to corruptions and other wasteful expenses. Underpaid, underfed ragtag soldiers with plastic sandals and straw hats are not going to impress the well armed Thai's troupes.
It's embarrassing to see that Cambodian soldiers are being fed by charities.
Soldiers must well-trained and well-equipped, true. Modern weapons, jet fighters, helicopters and tanks must be bought to the borders soon. Cambodia must show Thailand that it is capable of defending its territories.
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