by Tse Hao Guang
Cambodia and Thailand have seen their relations further strained by recent border clashes. However, Cambodian PM Hun Sen rejects the idea of declaring war.
The recent border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand has been downplayed by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, following armed clashes between soldiers from both nations.
Speaking to reporters after a weekly cabinet meeting, Hun Sen maintained that peaceful discussions were the key to easing tensions over the conflict arising from Preah Vihear temple.
"People should understand that there won't be any large-scale war taking place," he said, calling the dispute a "minor armed clash".
Hun Sen also said that outside intervention was unnecessary, specifically mentioning the US and regional bloc Asean.
Both countries have agreed to joint border patrols in the wake of the deaths of at least 2 Cambodian soldiers caught in Wednesday's crossfire. However, neither side has agreed to reduce troop presence at the border.
Tensions mounted in July over the detention of 3 Thai protesters who entered Preah Vihear illegally. Over a thousand troops from both sides moved into the land surrounding the temple, starting a military stand-off.
Agreements were reached in August for troop withdrawals from both nations. Last week, however, Cambodia alleged that Thai troops had returned. This sparked Hun Sen to threaten to turn the area into a "death zone".
The recent border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand has been downplayed by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, following armed clashes between soldiers from both nations.
Speaking to reporters after a weekly cabinet meeting, Hun Sen maintained that peaceful discussions were the key to easing tensions over the conflict arising from Preah Vihear temple.
"People should understand that there won't be any large-scale war taking place," he said, calling the dispute a "minor armed clash".
Hun Sen also said that outside intervention was unnecessary, specifically mentioning the US and regional bloc Asean.
Both countries have agreed to joint border patrols in the wake of the deaths of at least 2 Cambodian soldiers caught in Wednesday's crossfire. However, neither side has agreed to reduce troop presence at the border.
Tensions mounted in July over the detention of 3 Thai protesters who entered Preah Vihear illegally. Over a thousand troops from both sides moved into the land surrounding the temple, starting a military stand-off.
Agreements were reached in August for troop withdrawals from both nations. Last week, however, Cambodia alleged that Thai troops had returned. This sparked Hun Sen to threaten to turn the area into a "death zone".
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