A Change of Guard

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Monday 8 June 2009

Thai tanks and armoured personnel carriers which pushed into Khmer territories at Chak Chreng nearly cause an armed clash

Source: Deumm Ampil newspaper
Reported in English by Khmerization

A serious border violation by Thai tanks and armoured personnel carriers at Chak Chreng border point almost lead to an armed clash between Khmer and Thai troops based at the areas, reports Deum Ampil.

Cambodian military sources told Deum Ampil on 6th June that the day before the Thai military had sent tanks and armoured personnel carriers equipped with heavy weaponry to the borderlines. They then attempted to push into Cambodian territory but were met with strong warnings and resistance from the Cambodian troops based in the area.

Renewed border tensions at Chak Chreng had caused a near eruption of fighting at Chaim Sra-Ngam on the 6th of June when a group of 30 Thai troops crossed the border to occupy a plot of lands inside Cambodian territory.

Chak Chreng area became a new flashpoint of renewed border tensions between the two countries when a group of 30 Thai troops occpied the areas about a month ago. According to Cambodian military source, the Thai military reinforced their troop numbers by sending 100 soldiers to the areas in four military trucks, escorted by tanks and armoured personnel carriers which equipped with heavy weaponry.

Maj. Pha Choeun, Cambodian commander of Chak Chreng areas, said the near eruption of armed fighting was caused by unusual Thai troop movements with tanks and armoured personnel carriers trying to force their ways into Khmer territories. The Cambodian troops resisted and stopped them by strongly warning them to retreat. They then stropped the push and made a contact to their superiors who then contacted the Cambodian commanders.

After the talks, at around 2 oclock in the afternoon, they withdrew. They said that the tanks and armoured personnel carriers were escorting their commander, Gen. Sethadee, to inspect the areas. The Cambodian military sources doubt the veracity of the Thai version of event because of the numbers of new troops and heavy weaponry sent to the areas.

The Cambodian military said that Chak Chreng, the same as Phnom Trop and Veal Entry, is a strategic position. It sits 600 metres high on top of the Dangrek Mountain ranges. The Cambodian military said that if the Thai controlled Chak Chreng they then can use it as a lunch pad to occupy other spots in the areas. They also said that if the Thai controlled Phnom Trop and Veal Entry they will then control access road to the Preah Vihear temple and will eventually control the temple in the future.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think to my opinioun now that thai army playing game with cambodia gorverment and thai think cambodia are chicken so thai come and out as they please.it look stupid and make the cambodia army weak not top.so cambodia gorverment stop playing game with thai either you chicken out surrender to thai because you guy are top on your own people.

Anonymous said...

I agree. Thai army and Thai government are playing games with Cambodia. Many border talks have failed to reach any agreements. Thai army promised to stay in their territories, but often they crossed into Cambodian territories in a provocative way.

Mr. Hun Sen must instruct the Cambodian army to act tough with Thai troops. Tell them clearly: if they crossed into Cambodian territories, the Cambodian army will be ordered to open fire.