Thai soldier (L) discusses with a Cambodian soldier (R) on 05 April 2009 in Wat Keo Sekha Kiri Svarak pagoda, near Preah Vihear temple (Photo: Uy Sophea, RFA)12 April 2009
By Savyouth
Radio Free Asia
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
Click here to read the article in Khmer
Thai army officials along the disputed border zone near Preah Vihear temple claimed that they want to organize a joint dance party between Cambodian and Thai troops who are facing each other near the temple, during this Khmer New Year occasion (Thailand calls it the Songkran festival).
An anonymous [Thai] official from the border liaison office in Sisaket province told RFA over the phone in the morning of 12 April that Thailand recently asked its Cambodian counterpart to organize a joint dance party between Cambodian and Thai troops at the Wat Keo Sekha Kiri Svarak pagoda, located near Preah Vihear temple. However, the Cambodian side did not provide a reply nor schedule to this request yet.
The same Thai official said: “We invited the Cambodian side to organize a joint dance party on 12 April at the site of the Wat Keo Sekha Kiri Svarak pagoda, but the Cambodian side told Thailand that they did not set a clear schedule to organize this party yet.”
Nevertheless, on Sunday afternoon, General Srey Doek, the RCAF commander of Battalion No. 3, said that he did not know about this request by Thai officers to organize this dance party during the New Year celebration. General Srey Doek said: “I didn’t know about it. I am in Phnom Penh to celebrate New Year.”
Cambodian troops who are facing the tense situation with Thai soldiers in Veal Entry and Phnom Troap zones indicated that for the past three days, the situation is quiet. Nonetheless, soldiers are not allowed to leave their fighting position.
A border police officer who was stationed on the frontline near Preah Vihear temple said that prior to this New Year, the confrontation between Cambodian and Thai troops has lightened up, nevertheless, Cambodian troops defending the border do not receive leave of absence authorization, they must maintain their position. The same police officer said: “We have to maintain our position, we know that the civilian people will be reveling. We must pay attention. Before this New Year, we heard that the situation could improve somewhat.”
Cambodian border troops along the Khmer-Thai borders at several locations, from Choam Sa-ngam, O’Smach, Ta Moan temple, Ta Krabey temple, Chub Koki pass, in Oddar Meanchey province all the way to Point 88 in Romduol village, Beanteay Chhmar commune, Thmor Puok district, Banteay Meanchey province, i.e. all troops along the border did not receive the authorization to leave the borderline during this Khmer New Year.
An anonymous [Thai] official from the border liaison office in Sisaket province told RFA over the phone in the morning of 12 April that Thailand recently asked its Cambodian counterpart to organize a joint dance party between Cambodian and Thai troops at the Wat Keo Sekha Kiri Svarak pagoda, located near Preah Vihear temple. However, the Cambodian side did not provide a reply nor schedule to this request yet.
The same Thai official said: “We invited the Cambodian side to organize a joint dance party on 12 April at the site of the Wat Keo Sekha Kiri Svarak pagoda, but the Cambodian side told Thailand that they did not set a clear schedule to organize this party yet.”
Nevertheless, on Sunday afternoon, General Srey Doek, the RCAF commander of Battalion No. 3, said that he did not know about this request by Thai officers to organize this dance party during the New Year celebration. General Srey Doek said: “I didn’t know about it. I am in Phnom Penh to celebrate New Year.”
Cambodian troops who are facing the tense situation with Thai soldiers in Veal Entry and Phnom Troap zones indicated that for the past three days, the situation is quiet. Nonetheless, soldiers are not allowed to leave their fighting position.
A border police officer who was stationed on the frontline near Preah Vihear temple said that prior to this New Year, the confrontation between Cambodian and Thai troops has lightened up, nevertheless, Cambodian troops defending the border do not receive leave of absence authorization, they must maintain their position. The same police officer said: “We have to maintain our position, we know that the civilian people will be reveling. We must pay attention. Before this New Year, we heard that the situation could improve somewhat.”
Cambodian border troops along the Khmer-Thai borders at several locations, from Choam Sa-ngam, O’Smach, Ta Moan temple, Ta Krabey temple, Chub Koki pass, in Oddar Meanchey province all the way to Point 88 in Romduol village, Beanteay Chhmar commune, Thmor Puok district, Banteay Meanchey province, i.e. all troops along the border did not receive the authorization to leave the borderline during this Khmer New Year.
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