Cambodian soldiers patrolling Sombok Khmun area a scene of heavy fighting on 4the February, 2011.Published: 16/01/2012
Writer: Wassana Nanuam
Bangkok Post
Thai and Cambodian troops faced off in Phu Makhua (Sombok Khmum) in the disputed 4.6 square kilometre area around Preah Vihear temple on Monday, sparking fears of renewed border clashes as neither side would retreat, reports said.
About 20 Thai troops were patrolling the Phu Makhua mountain on the border when they ran into a group of Cambodian soldiers who were reconnoitring the area late in the afternoon.
Both sides claimed territorial rights to the area and despite negotiations, refused to retreat, a military source familiar with Phu Makhua said.
``The two units held their positions about 10 metres apart after talks failed to resolve the impasse,'' the source said.
``Both sides have reinforced their positions with back-up troops.''
The source said Col Thanasak Mitopanon, commander of the 26 Ranger Regiment, had ordered the immediate closure of Pha Mor I Dang cliff, the disputed border area next to Preah Vihear temple in Si Sa Ket province, in case clashes break out and tourists are caught in the middle.
But Col Thanasak denied the move had anything to do with the confrontation. He claimed the regiment was on manoeuvres and closing the area was necessary as tourists had not been warned about the exercise.
The source was adamant the area was closed off because of the tense situation at Phu Makhua. He said Army Region 2 commander Lt Gen Thawatchai Samutsakorn had blamed Col Thanasak for closing the area and causing panic among the public.
Writer: Wassana Nanuam
Bangkok Post
Thai and Cambodian troops faced off in Phu Makhua (Sombok Khmum) in the disputed 4.6 square kilometre area around Preah Vihear temple on Monday, sparking fears of renewed border clashes as neither side would retreat, reports said.
About 20 Thai troops were patrolling the Phu Makhua mountain on the border when they ran into a group of Cambodian soldiers who were reconnoitring the area late in the afternoon.
Both sides claimed territorial rights to the area and despite negotiations, refused to retreat, a military source familiar with Phu Makhua said.
``The two units held their positions about 10 metres apart after talks failed to resolve the impasse,'' the source said.
``Both sides have reinforced their positions with back-up troops.''
The source said Col Thanasak Mitopanon, commander of the 26 Ranger Regiment, had ordered the immediate closure of Pha Mor I Dang cliff, the disputed border area next to Preah Vihear temple in Si Sa Ket province, in case clashes break out and tourists are caught in the middle.
But Col Thanasak denied the move had anything to do with the confrontation. He claimed the regiment was on manoeuvres and closing the area was necessary as tourists had not been warned about the exercise.
The source was adamant the area was closed off because of the tense situation at Phu Makhua. He said Army Region 2 commander Lt Gen Thawatchai Samutsakorn had blamed Col Thanasak for closing the area and causing panic among the public.
7 comments:
Thai-thief wanna taste more war...again?
So far Thailand has not withraw any troop out yet, not they want to start problem again...ICJ should open their eyes and see Thailand very clearly!
correction=now they want to start war with cambodian again!
We have to put our feet on the ground always. Once we move out, they move in. Never be so naive with them.
We(Cambodian) should show our aggressiveness over our bad neighbors. We should not be to passive with these thugs. If the war breaks out again, we should hit them hard of whatever we have in our arsenal. We need to stop play Mr. nice guy.
Thai troops still occupied Khmer territory around Preah Vihear. Now they try to stir trouble with Cambodia so they can use it as an excuse to get rid of Yingluck from the government.
Wonder if Indonesia sending observer or not..? They kept saying sending that's It?
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