Friday, 10 July 2009

Tension Rising along Thai-Cambodia Border

2009-07-10
Xinhua
Web Editor: Xu Leiying

Thai villagers, who live in Sao- Thong-Chai sub-district at Gan-ta-ra-lak district of the northeastern province of Sri-sa-ged, next to the Thai-Cambodian border, on Friday have been warned of a possible military clash between the two neighboring countries.

"Thais have been told of getting away from the Thai-Cambodian border as they might be injured from the possible fight and trap mine," the Thai language news agency Matichon Online quoted Boonmi Bua-dton, head of the Sao-Thong-Chai administrative organization as saying.

He said though the border situation is now still normal, he has already contacted with involved parties in a bid to get prepared for the possible evacuation if the border clash occurs.

It is reportedly said that Cambodia has deployed six tanks with a large number of soldiers at Go-moon village next to the historical Preah Vihear temple.

The Cambodian reinforcement of the tanks and military forces has suggested they are ready to fight against the Thai army.

Meanwhile, it is reportedly said Thailand's Second Army Region spent some 20 million baht (586,860 U.S. dollars) for building 20 large-scaled bunkers at the boarder stronghold near the ancient temple in preparation for the possible intrusion.

The border tension has renewed from June 25 when both sides have started the military reinforcement at the disputed border after the Thai government said it would ask the UNESCO to review a World Heritage status given to the Hindu Temple of Preah Vihear.

UNESCO's inscription of the temple announced in July last year is against the UNESCO's regulations and spirit since it has created dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, the Thai government said.

Thailand and Cambodia have historically laid claim to the site, which is located on a mountain top on the Thai-Cambodia border, but can only be easily accessed from Thailand.

The disputed area of 4.6 square kilometers along the Thai- Cambodian border has not been demarcated.

The International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that the Preah Vihear temple belonged to Cambodia.

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