Thailand, Cambodia to discuss troop reductions at border

BANGKOK, June 30 (TNA) -- Thailand and Cambodia will discuss troop reductions at their common border as neither side wishes to use force in settling the ongoing territorial dispute, Thai Army Commander-in-Chief Gen. Anupong Paochinda (pictured) said on Tuesday. Gen. Anupong told journalists that both the Thai and Cambodian governments agreed that it would be futile to use force in settling the border dispute. He said Thai troops deployed near the ancient Preah Vihear temple would be “reduced to an appropriate level” in accordance with the government’s policy. Discussions with Cambodia will have to be made in detail regarding the number of soldiers to be cut, including the timing of the reduction, he said. The exact timeframe has not yet been fixed as the reduction is up to the satisfaction level of both sides, he added. Tensions along the two countries’ border, especially near Preah Vihear temple, have risen after the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Oganization (UNESCO) granted the historic temple World Heritage Site status in July 2008. (TNA)