Thailand, Cambodia confer on troop reductions at Preah Vihear temple

NAKHON RATCHASIMA, July 1 (TNA) - Senior Thai and Cambodian army officers are expected later Wednesday to discuss possible troop reductions near the historic Preah Vihear temple, which has been a focus of contention, tensions and nationalist passions on the part of both countries in recent months as more troops have been stationed to guard the temple and nearby areas. Speaking to journalists before departing for the northeastern province of Surin bordering Cambodia, Lt-Gen. Viboonsak Neepan, Thailand's Second Army Region commander said he would later in the day discuss with Lt-Gen. Chea Mon, Commander of Cambodia's 4th Military Region, on troops reductions near the temple. Several discussions on the issue are still needed in future before actual troops reductions between the two countries could be implemented, Gen. Viboonsak said. He said the overall situation along the Thai-Cambodian border improved following Thai Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban’s visit to Phnom Penh and talks with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen last Saturday. Lt-Gen. Viboonsak is also scheduled to travel to Cambodia to hold talks and play a round of golf with senior army chiefs of that country on Thursday and Friday. Tensions along the two countries’ border, especially near Preah Vihear temple, have risen after the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) granted the historic temple World Heritage Site status in July 2008. (TNA)