Border tensions mount as military talks collapse

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By: POST REPORTERS

Published: 3/07/2009 at 12:00 AM

Newspaper section: News

Talks between Thai and Cambodian generals have collapsed after the two countries failed to reach an agreement on troop reductions to ease border tensions.

Wibulsak: In failed talks with Cambodia

Cambodia's 4th Army chief Chea Mon rejected a Thai proposal to halve the number of about 500 troops of the two countries near Preah Vihear temple.

The proposal was offered during talks on Wednesday with 2nd Army leader Wibulsak Neepal at the border in Kap Choeng district in Surin, an army source said yesterday.

The soldiers are stationed in the area near Wat Kaew Sikha Khiri Sawara. Thailand wants to see the number reduced to prevent possible clashes.

Lt Gen Chea Mon countered by demanding that all Thai troops leave the disputed area claimed by the two countries in a proposal rejected by Thailand, the source said.

Cambodia has about 5,000 soldiers along the land border and Thailand claims there are 4,000 troops not far from the ancient Hindu temple, called Phra Viharn in Thai.

Lt Gen Wibulsak reported the failed talks to Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon and army chief Anupong Paojinda. Gen Anupong wanted all soldiers on the border with Cambodia to be patient, the source quoted him as saying.

Tensions between the two countries erupted after the government's protest to the United Nations Scientific, Educational and Cultural Organisation and World Heritage Committee over their approval of the temple as a World Heritage site.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday ruled out the use of violence to solve border conflicts with Phnom Penh in the wake of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's recent belligerency.

He insisted a political dialogue was the only means to address the dispute and a reduction of troops was a delicate matter which would take time.

Mr Abhisit said authorities from the two countries would continue with their dialogue.

Mr Abhisit said Hun Sen's recent outspoken statements could have been prompted by internal political affairs. The Cambodian prime minister was quoted by the Phnom Penh Post as warning Thailand that Cambodia was ready to use all means to defend the country's sovereignty.

"We are also ready [for a battle]," Mr Abhisit said. "But we have agreed that it is not a solution. I believe that the two countries understand that a war does not do anyone any good."

Authorities in Si Sa Ket's Kantharalak district, which is adjacent to the temple, will today hold an evacuation drill near the border area. District chief Chanya Sukhonkhantachart said local leaders had been asked to inform villagers of the planned drill to avoid a commotion.