Thailand denies damaging Preah Vihear

Cambodge Soir

28-10-2008

On Sunday October 26, the Thai authorities denied media allegations regarding Thai soldiers damaging the temple during October 15 skirmishes.

Rockets allegedly landed on the staircase leading to the temple, damaging the Naga statues on both side of the stairs which might spurs Cambodian authorities to complain to UNESCO. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs denies alleged reports in the media. In a press release, the Thai Ministry assures that an enquiry was carried out in co-operation with the authorities of the 2nd military region of the Thai armed forces (the Sisaket region located on the border with Preah Vihear Temple). The outcome of this enquiry differs from the media allegations.

According to the statement, Thai soldiers followed orders on October 15 and therefore only used light weapons. But they were under fire from the Cambodian troops using rocket-launchers (RPG type) and other recoilless weapons. Rockets hit two areas close to the aforementioned statues and wounded two Thai soldiers. The Cambodian army shot similar shells landing in Phra Viharn National Park. The Royal Thai army alleged having recovered two of these unexploded munitions in the Park. They are kept as evidence by the Bangkok authorities.