Tense but calm around Preah Vihear

By: Bangkok Post.com

Published: 26/06/2009

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban (pictured) on Friday insisted on going to Cambodia to meet Prime Minister Hun Sen, even though the Cambodian leader has refused to discuss the Preah Vihear temple row.

Mr Suthep said his visit to Cambodia on Saturday was aimed at strengthening ties. He said he would not engage in any talks that would lead to conflict.

Although the temple row would not be on the table, the deputy prime minister said relations between Thailand and Cambodia would improve after the visit.

Mr Suthep was originally assigned by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to clarify Thailand's position against the inscription of the temple by the World Heritage Committee, on the application of Cambodia, which was later formally approved by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).

But Mr Hun Sen has refused to discuss the ancient temple with Mr Suthep.

Both sides have sent reinforcements to the area.

Second Army commander Wibulsak Neepal admitted on Friday he was worried about the renewed potential for hostilities.

Lt Gen Wibulsak said troops were now confronting each other and this could boil over into a fight if the two governments do not find ways to calm the conflict.

However, the Thai-Cambodia border remained calm. Army chief Gen Anupong Paojinda said there had been no confrontation and the situation would not lead to violence.

He confirmed Thai troops have been reinforced following reports that extra Cambodian troops and artillery had been deployed to the area.

Gen Anupong said the two sides agree they do not want to fight.

Thai soldiers had been warned to be alert, but not to initiate a clash with Cambodian troops.

"We will not be the first to start fighting," Gen Anupong told reporters.

"The local commander told me the situation is still calm. Forces from both countries deployed at the temple are constantly in contact with each other and there is no indication that it could lead to confrontation," he said.

Tension along the border has risen since Thailand decided to petition against the listing of the ancient Khmer temple by the World Heritage Committee, which approved the application by Phnom Penh. Thailand has repeatedly argued the old temple should be jointly registered as a world heritage site, even though it is in Cambodian territory. Access to the temple is through Thailand.