The Government accuses Thailand of having invaded another temple

Cambodge Soir
05-08-2008

Bangkok denied any incursion on Cambodian territory in the province of Oddar Meanchey.

70 Thai soldiers have allegedly invaded the site of the temple of , in the province of Oddar Meanchey, said the border protection unit deputy commander, Sim Sokha.

“The Thai troops have declared that they would only withdraw once the border conflict of Preah Vihear has been solved”, declared Sim Sokha to the Associated Press agency.

Thailand has denied any new incursion on Cambodian territory. Bangkok has asserted that the troop movements in the district of Surin weren’t unusual.

The government spokesperson, Khieu Kannaridh, has confirmed the presence of Thai military personnel on the territory, while trying to smooth things out.

“Thailand wants to take advantage of Preah Vihear in order to solve all border conflicts at once, did he say. We must allow the joint committee in charge of the border between Thailand and Cambodia to do its work.”

“We are within our rights for what concerns this border”, did he add, before explaining that the priority of the public authorities was to form a new government.

The temple of Ta Moan dates back to the 13th century and lies approximately 470 kilometres north-west of Phnom Penh. During a phone call with Cambodge Soir Hebdo, Ho Bunthy, permanent deputy commander for the Ta Moan site, has stated that “approximately sixty Thai soldiers have taken their positions at 70 metres before the temple. They are thus clearly on our national territory.”

On the other hand, military from both countries are face to face in front of another temple, the one of Ta Krabey, at 16 km of Ta Moan Thom. The Thais allegedly deployed there after the movement of Cambodian troops.