Cambodia claims killing 88 Thais during 2008-9

In this photo taken on Feb. 5, 2010, Cambodian soldiers are seen behind a machine gun along the Cambodia-Thai border near Preah Vihear temple, Preah Vihear province, 245 kilometers (152 miles) north of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Cambodia claimed Wednesday, March 24, 2010 that its forces killed scores of Thai soldiers in clashes during 2008-9 around the disputed ancient temple along the frontier, but Thailand said only two or three of its troops had died. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

via CAAI News Media

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – Cambodia claimed Wednesday that its forces killed scores of Thai soldiers in clashes during 2008-9 around a disputed ancient temple along the frontier, but Thailand said only two or three of its troops had died.

Neither claim could be verified, nor was it clear why Cambodia chose to announce the casualty figures at this time amid continuing tension in relations.

Gen. Chea Tara, who commands Cambodian forces in the disputed area, said the situation at the disputed border near the Preah Vihear temple was now quiet but that soldiers of both sides remain on high alert.

"Now Cambodia has enough weapons and forces to protect its territory. You (Thais) don't want to be fighting with us," the general told hundreds of Cambodian government officials and lawmakers. "We also have enough reserve forces and weapons to help the front line if needed."

The long-running dispute over Preah Vihear heated up in July 2008 when UNESCO, the U.N. cultural agency, approved Cambodia's bid to have the 11th century temple named a World Heritage site. Thailand initially supported the bid but then reneged after the move sparked outrage and protests by Thai nationalists.

Both sides rushed troops to the border, which resulted in several gun battles.

Chea Tara said that 38 Thais were killed in October 2008 and another 50 in April 2009.

Only two Cambodian soldiers were killed in the clashes, he said.

In Bangkok, Thai army spokesman Col. Sansern Kawekamnerd said he estimated "two to three" Thais were killed.

Bilateral relations remain tense. Ties were also strained last year when Cambodia named fugitive former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra as an adviser on economic affairs. The subsequent visit by Thaksin, and Cambodia's rejection of a formal request from Bangkok to extradite him, drew a negative reaction from Bangkok.