Marty: The sooner Abhisit, Hun Sen meet, the better

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By The Nation

Jakarta
Published on April 27, 2011

Indonesian foreign minister tells The Nation Editor-in-Chief Suthichai Yoon about the urgent need to get both sides to calm down and start discussing a ceasefire

Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa told The Nation yesterday that "the sooner, the better" if Thai Premier Abhisit Vejjajiva and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen met and put an end to the ongoing military confrontation on the border.

He said it would be far too late if both sides waited until the next Asean Summit is held. The grouping is scheduled to meet in Jakarta on May 7-8. "I don't want to wait that long," he said.

Abhisit said Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan would meet his Cambodian counterpart Tea Banh in Phnom Penh today to discuss a possible ceasefire, but he was non-committal about the outcome. "It depends on Cambodia, which triggered the conflict. If they did nothing, there would be no problem," he said.

Also, Tea Banh yesterday even-ing called Kom Chad Luek, The Nation's sister newspaper, to express his willingness to end the fighting with Thailand.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya is due to arrive in the Indonesian capital tomorrow for talks with Natalegawa.

Indonesia is the current chair of Asean.

"Cambodia's Deputy Premier Hor Nam Hong is travelling. I understand he is in Paris. I am trying to schedule a meeting with him as well," Natalegawa said.

He added that he was "keen" to talk to Kasit and Hor Nam Hong and get a ceasefire re-established so that observer teams could be deployed along the Thai-Cambodian border. This would also encourage the resumption of diplomatic negotiations.

The Indonesian foreign minister said he was planning to visit Phnom Penh and Bangkok yesterday after shooting erupted on the border again for a third day. "But I changed my mind after finding the timing not propitious," he said.

When asked what he would do now that the two nations had broken the ceasefire pact, he said, his mission is to be on the "relentless pursuit of a diplomatic solution".

"As I have said on several occasions, we must be aggressive in pursuing peace, notwithstanding the present difficulties. The only viable solution is a solution through peaceful means despite the fact that we have had very difficult four or five days of military incidents. We hope the two sides can be encouraged to return to the negotiations table," Natalegawa said.

As for Thailand's reluctance to stationing of Indonesian observers on the border, he said: "It's still in the process and under discussion on both sides. As I understand it, Thailand has agreed to the idea of having observers. There are now some so-called technical issues to address. It's better to be done sooner rather than later - precisely to avoid confusion over who has done what and when."

He explained that having observers on the ground would help avoid confusion. "Now, it's even more urgent than before. It was urgent two months ago. It's even more urgent now because we have allowed time to pass. The longer we allow the situation to continue, the more casualties the two countries will suffer and there will be more disruption to the civilian populations," Natalegawa said.

As to whether the issue should return to the UN, he said: "It really depends on our capacity to solve the problem in the region. I don't want to suggest as if there is a clear difference between what is regional and global because they are mutually reinforcing to create conditions that are conducive to bilateral solutions. So, what is bilateral, regional and global are actually supporting one another."

Informed sources said the Thai side had proposed 15 points - all outside the 4.6 square-kilometre area under dispute - where the Indonesian observers could be stationed. They must be unarmed and not in military uniform. Negotiations have brought the sites down to four.

"The Cambodian side has told me that they don't mind where the Indonesian observers are assigned. They say the observers could even be in full military gear," the Indonesian foreign minister said.

Asked about speculation on the Thai side that Cambodia was trying to take the issue back to the UN, Natalegawa said: "It's already in the UN. It's not a question of bringing it back to the UN. The genie is out of the bottle."

Thailand needs to reconsider its position

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By Supalak Ganjanakhundee

The Nation

Published on April 27, 2011

The latest border skirmish between Thailand and Cambodia at Ta Mouan Thom temple is solid proof that Abhisit Vejjajiva's foreign policy and diplomatic skill towards Cambodia are absolutely wrong and have failed to help bring peace with its neighbour.

Many soldiers and civilians have lost their lives in recent years since Thailand opposed Cambodia's plan to get World Heritage listing for the Preah Vihear temple in 2008.

The latest clash at Ta Mouan and Ta Kwai (known in Cambodia as Ta Krabei), some 150km west of Preah Vihear, is just an extension of the conflict in February, which was caused by Cambodian disappointment at Abhisit's policy.

The issue became complicated and very difficult to resolve as the current Thai government mixed everything up. Thailand and Cambodia's conflict these days are a combination of boundary issues, military arrangements at the border, management of the World Heritage plan, as well as local and international politics.

The root cause of the problem began when Abhisit's government linked the World Heritage management plan with boundary demarcation of areas near to the temple. This government would use all means to block the management plan for Preah Vihear if demarcation of the boundary is not completed.

But even a schoolboy knows that boundary demarcation is time-consuming work and it could be separated from the management of World Heritage property. Legal experts agree that World Heritage listing should not cause Thailand to lose rights of sovereignty over territory adjacent to the temple - if that land really belongs to this country.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen also knows that Abhisit wants to use this issue to delay his plan for Preah Vihear.

Abhisit has felt compelled to do this, as he has been pressured by conservative and nationalist groups, which have camped near his office for months now.

A plan to make permanent peace at the border was also deferred because the Thai military hesitated to receive Indonesian observers at the border. The government has stalled on this since it agreed to the proposal in February. No observer from Indonesia has set a foot on the ground since the last clash at Preah Vihear in February.

Perhaps it's too shallow to think that Cambodia attacked Thailand simply because it wants to 'internationalise' the conflict. Would anybody think twice on why Phnom Penh might want to do this? And why Thailand was so scared of a multilateral forum wanting to resolve the problem?

Abhisit insists from time to time that existing bilateral mechanisms should be used to strike a deal with Cambodia over the conflict - as though he never knew that such a method would be ineffective at settling a contemporary dispute.

It sounds very na๏ve to call local commanders on both sides for a ceasefire when everybody knows that only Prime Minister Hun Sen can make such a decision. So the question is why doesn't Abhisit, as head of government, call his Cambodian counterpart to get a ceasefire?

If the government has no diplomatic capacity to convince Cambodian leaders to settle the conflict, the only option is for an acceptable third party. So, if Thailand has nothing to hide, having foreign observers at the border to monitor a cease-fire should not be a worry.

In this context, Asean, which is now chaired by Indonesia, is available and ready to enhance its role in solving the problem for its two member states.

Phnom Penh is also ready to comply with Asean's line, as it called for observers. But the problem has been on our side.

Time is running out and the situation is escalating. Perhaps the original plan to dispatch only 15 Indonesian observers on each side is not enough now. If Thailand wants to limit the size of the problem and find a solution, it needs to adjust its position and make a decision now.

Private sector has four proposals to ease border tensions

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By Petchanet Pratruangkrai

The Nation

Published on April 27, 2011

Thai businesspeople, fearing that the border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia will harm bilateral trade and investment if they drag on much longer, will make four proposals to the government aimed at easing tensions.

The Joint PrivateSector Committee will make the proposals to Deputy Prime Minister Trairong Suwankhiri soon, it announced yesterday.

The first proposal is that the government carefully consider closing border checkpoints as well as cutting the supply of electricity to Cambodia. Second, concerned agencies and media should be more careful with the release of information that could intensify the conflict.

Third, the two countries should find ways to compromise over the disputed territory to ensure further border trade. Finally, economic and security issues should be clearly separated to reduce tension or conflict between the two countries.

Payungsak Chartsutipol, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, said the business sector still had confidence that the border conflict will be eased soon.

"People of the two nations are considered relatives. Nobody wants to see war or any fight," he said.

The closure of checkpoints should be considered only at a certain point and for a short period; otherwise, it would affect overall trading and people's confidence, Payungsak said.

Despite the conflict, private enterprises of Thailand and Cambodia have insisted on setting up the ThaiCambodian Business Council to strengthen trade and investment growth.

Thanit Sorat, secretarygeneral of the council and vice chairman of the FTI, said private enterprises were conducting business activities as usual although the tension has decreased investors' confidence.

Bilateral trade is expected to grow continuously to more than Bt85 bilฌlion this year from last year's Bt79.26 billion. However, Thanit said prolonged fighting would not only affect investment but also lower the value of bilateral trade between the two countries, particularly crossborder trade.

For instance, Thanit pointed out that Thai investment in Cambodia had shrunk considerably over the past few years because of the border conflict. Only one project from Thailand worth Bt30 million was approved by the Cambodia Investment Board last year.

From August 1995 to June 2009, 81 Thai projects have been launched in Cambodia with a combined investฌment value of Bt7.02 billion. Of these, nine projects are hotels worth Bt4.29 billion, followed by agriculturalindustry schemes worth Bt2.34 bilฌlion, and garmentindustry projects worth Bt221 million.

Bilateral trade between Thailand and Cambodia was worth Bt79.26 billion last year. Of that, Bt55.41 billion was from crossborder trade, of which exports from Thailand were valued at Bt51.11 billion.

The flareup at the border has hit the tourism industry hardest, as tourists have cancelled their bookings to Cambodia. Eventually, it will directly harm inbound tourism from Cambodia as well.

Thailand is projected to boost crossborder trade with Cambodia by 8 per cent to Bt59 billion this year. Crossborder trade with that country accounts for 7.09 per cent of the Kingdom's total crossborder trade value.

Poonsak Kunudom, counsellor for the Thai Trade Representative in Phnom Penh, said bilateral trade between Thailand and Cambodia was still growing normally.

The Commerce Ministry's Export Promotion Department has no plans to cancel the Thailand Trade Exhibition 2011, which will be held from May 1922 in Phnom Penh.

Gunfire exchange between Cambodian, Thai troops continues in fifth day

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English.news.cn   2011-04-26

PHNOM PENH, April 26 (Xinhua) -- The gunfire exchange between Cambodian and Thai troops over the disputed border area at the 13th century Ta Moan temple and Ta Krabei temple in Oddar Meanchey province still continues as of 9:40 p.m. on Tuesday, said Pich Sokhin, the governor of Oddar Meanchey province.

The Tuesday's fight began at 1:40 p.m. at the 11th century Preah Vihear temple and spread to burst out at the Ta Moan temple and Ta Krabei temple at 2:10 p.m.

"It's the longest fighting today, now it has been going on for more than 7 hours, and it's still continuing," the governor told Xinhua by telephone on Tuesday night, adding that the casualties are not available yet.

He said that Thailand has been using small guns and artilleries to fire on Cambodian troops and territory.

"We have exchanged some small weapons and big ones such as BM21 in order to protect our territory from invasion," he said.

"It's reported that some of our troops are injured," he said. "And our troops reported that more Thai troops have been reported killed and injured in today's fighting."

Cambodia said that Thai troops have launched attacks on Cambodia to capture the 13th century Ta Moan temple and Ta Krabei temple, which lie 150 kilometers west of the Preah Vihear Temple.

"So far, our troops are still in firm and full control of the temple of Ta Moan and the temple of Ta Krabei," he added.

He said that as of Tuesday evening, the number of Cambodian evacuees has increased to 28,180 people.

Meanwhile, the electricity in the whole Oddar Meanchey province is cut on Tuesday night due to the fighting and some evacuees who take refuge in Samrong district in the province have continued to move to other places in order to escape from Thai artillery shelling, he added.

The latest in a series of deadly clashes between Cambodian and Thai troops have occurred for five straight days from April 22-26 at the 13th century Ta Moan temple and Ta Krabei temple in Oddar Meanchey province and on April 26 at the 11th century Preah Vihear temple, the World Heritage site.

The clashes left at least a dozen of both sides' troops killed and more than 30 injured.

The fighting has not only cost lives, damaged the temples, but also forced tens of thousands of civilians of both countries to flee for safe shelters.

The border between Thailand and Cambodia has never been completely demarcated.

Although the International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that the Temple of Preah Vihear belonged to Cambodia, the row over the 4.6-square-km territory around the temple has never been resolved.

The conflict has occurred just a week after Cambodia's Preah Vihear temple was enlisted as a World Heritage Site on July 7, 2008, since then both sides have built up military forces along the border, and periodic clashes happened, resulting in the deaths of troops on both sides.

Editor: Mu Xuequan

Opportunity, Possibility for Young Leaders Limited in Cambodia: Youth Leader

Pich Samnang, VOA Khmer

Phnom Penh Tuesday, 26 April 2011

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Photo: by Heng Reaksmey

Hou Sidany, acting coordinator of Youth Council of Cambodia, left, Chhem Pe, middle, a 2009 champion of Youth Leadership Challenge, a local reality TV show. “

“They seem to be ignorant of important information for their self development although they have internet and facebook.”

It is not the case that young people in Cambodia do not want to participate in social activities, but the problem is that the possibility and opportunity for their participation is still not widespread, according to a young leadership champion.

“Youth's access to information seems limited,” said Chhem Pe, a 2009 champion of Youth Leadership Challenge, a local reality TV show. “ Both scholarship and community activity-related information by non-governmental organizations, governmental organizations and the government itself appears inaccessible to most young people,” he said on Hello VOA on Monday.

Chhem Pe, however, also said the lack of information about the country's development has resulted from the ignorance of youths themselves too.

“Some youths enjoy themselves too much” said Pe. “ They are enjoying extreme materialism and love affaire at young age, so they are distracted from the country's development issues, the community situation and their own future goals also,” said the 21-year-old student of sociology at Royal University of Phnom Penh.

“They seem to be ignorant of important information for their self development although they have internet and facebook,” he said.

Hou Sidany, acting coordinator of Youth Council of Cambodia, which organizes the Youth Leadership Challenge show, said young people need more opportunities to participate in social activities in order to become real leaders of their country.

“We need to implant them to value and get involved in community activities such as fund raising to help orphans, collecting books for community library or figuring out community problems and needs,” she said on Hello VOA on Monday.

So, more of such Youth Leadership programs should be paid attention to so as to engage more young people in community services so that they can develop both themselves and their community, she said.

“In order for a country to be both economically and politically strong and powerful, youths' human resources are needed, so they need to be invested on,” said a caller, Mr. Sen, from Siem Reap province.

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Published: 26/04/2011 at 09:31 PM

Thailand and Cambodia were on Tuesday preparing for ceasefire talks after a new front opened in their worst border fighting in recent history, in which 13 troops have died.

Cambodian soldiers are seen travelling in a military truck in Oddar Meanchey province near the border with Thailand. Thailand and Cambodia are preparing for ceasefire talks after a new front opened in their worst border fighting in recent history, in which 13 troops have died.

Tens of thousands of civilians have been forced to flee their homes on both sides as heavy weapons fire pounded the jungle frontier, shattering a fragile truce that had held since February.

"Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Banh has agreed to meet his Thai counterpart in Phnom Penh shortly to discuss a ceasefire between the two countries," the Cambodian defence ministry said in a statement.

Thai Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwon indicated that he was ready for dialogue with his Cambodian counterpart.

"We will have an opportunity to talk and there will be no problem. I think the situation will ease within a few days," he told reporters in Thailand during a visit to the border area.

The two armies exchanged fire Tuesday near the 900-year-old Preah Vihear temple, which has been the focus of strained relations between the neighbours since it was granted UN World Heritage status in 2008.

Fighting erupted near the ruins at 1:30 pm (0630 GMT) and lasted for 30 minutes, said Thai army spokesman Colonel Prawit Hookaew.

"They fired artillery and mortar and we retaliated," he said.

Cambodia blamed Thailand for starting the clash, which broke out in an area that had been relatively calm for two months and is 150 kilometres (90 miles) east of two other disputed temple complexes that have been the scene of fierce fighting since Friday.

In February 10 people were killed near the Preah Vihear temple, prompting a UN appeal for a permanent ceasefire.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Monday urged Thailand and Cambodia to show restraint and said Washington was "deeply concerned".

She said that the United States had engaged directly with Thai and Cambodian officials in hopes of ending the violence, without providing further details.

The neighbours agreed in late February to allow observers from Indonesia into the area near Preah Vihear.

But the Thai military has since said the monitors are not welcome and they have not been deployed.

Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said on Tuesday that Bangkok would review its policy towards Cambodia including trade, border checkpoints and cooperation at all levels, but would not sever diplomatic ties.

Kasit is due to hold talks with Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, whose country is the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations regional bloc, on Thursday in Jakarta.

"Thailand will inform him that Thailand agrees to international observers but Cambodian troops must withdraw from Preah Vihear," Thai government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said.

The World Court ruled in 1962 that the temple belonged to Cambodia, but both countries claim ownership of a 4.6-square-kilometre (1.8-square-mile) surrounding area.

Eight Cambodian soldiers and five Thai troops have died in the latest fighting further west along the border, while another Cambodian soldier is missing.

Thailand said nearly 26,000 people had been evacuated on its side of the border and were being housed in 22 shelters. Three districts -- Phanom Dong Rak, Kap Choeng and Prasat -- have been declared emergency areas.

More than 23,000 people have been displaced by the fighting on the Cambodian side, authorities have said.

Cambodia has accused Thailand of using spy planes and poisonous gas in the recent fighting -- which Bangkok has strongly denied.

The fighting comes at a sensitive political time for Thailand, with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva preparing to dissolve the lower house of parliament soon for elections he has said will be held by early July.

Abhisit said on Tuesday that the clashes would not derail his poll plan.

"The border problem will not affect the house dissolution because there will be a caretaker government which has full authority," he told reporters, adding that it was possible that the vote date could be announced next week.

Are Cluster Bombs Still in Use in Thai-Cambodian Fighting?

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Tuesday, 26 April 2011

Cluster Bombs

There are serious reports, but unconfirmed by independent observers, of the use of cluster weapons by Thai forces in the Good Friday, April 22, 2011, attack on Cambodian forces. This would be a direct violation of the ban on cluster weapons although neither Thailand nor Cambodia has ratified the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions. Laos is the only Southeast Asian State to have ratified. However, 108 States have signed the Convention and 56 have ratified by March 2011. Such a large number of signatures makes the Convention a central element of customary humanitarian law even if a State has not signed it.(1)

The early morning Good Friday fighting between Thai and Cambodian troops took place near the ancient temples of Ta Krabey and Ta Moan Thom, some 150 kilometres southwest of the better-known 900 year old Preah Vihear Temple where fighting had broken out in February 2011. There have been repeated clashes around the Preah Vibear Temple, especially after 2008 when UNESCO enshrined Preah Vibear as a World Heritage site for Cambodia over Thai objections. The World Court had in 1962 decided that Preah Vibear was on the Cambodian side of the frontier. However, the only roads for easy access to the temple are from Thailand.

The new round of fighting, which continued on Saturday April 23rd, along with the evacuation of the population of villages near the frontier, indicates that the situation remains volatile. The villages on the Cambodian side are relatively densely populated so that unexploded cluster weapons make farming difficult. Farming is the only civilian activity of the area, and the loss of livelihood is an emotional issue on which Cambodian officials can play.

The fighting in February 2011 had been brought for mediation to a meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Association for South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). Indonesia which currently holds the rotating chairmanship agreed to send military observers to the frontier area. However, they have not yet been sent, and Thai officials considered them unnecessary.

There have been suggestions that the renewed fighting is part of planning by factions within the Thai military in light of June legislative elections. There have even been suggestions that the fighting is a prelude to a military coup in Thailand. Obviously, there is no way to analyse motivations and tactics within the Thai Army. The fighting can also be a flair-up among nervous soldiers posted along the frontier and may have no lasting consequences.

However, the accusations of the use of cluster weapons pose clearly the issue of the investigative and complaints procedures of the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions. Since the negotiations in the Conference of the Committee on Disarmament (CCD) during the 1969-1970 session on the convention banning the placement of nuclear weapons on the sea-bed (the Sea-Bed Treaty), the formula for investigation and complaint has been “appropriate international procedures.” “Verification pursuant to this Article may be undertaken by any state party using its own means, or with the full or partial assistance of any other state party, or through appropriate international procedures within the framework of the United Nations and in accordance with its Charter.”

At the time “appropriate international procedures” represented the highest common denominator of agreement between those CCD members led by Canada which wanted the verification procedures laid down in the treaty to accord a leading role to the UN Secretary-General and those led by the Soviet Union, which wanted verification to be the exclusive responsibility, within the UN, of the Security Council. To this day, verification procedures and follow-up sanctions in arms control treaties have always remained vague.

Now, in the same month, there have been two accusations of violations of the cluster weapons convention. The NGO Human Rights Watch has released a report that cluster weapons made in Spain have been used by Libyan Government forces in the attacks on Misrata, the vital seaport. The strength of international humanitarian law and of arms control treaties lies in their application and in the way that accusations of violations are treated. The case of Libya and Thailand is crucial, and we need to watch how “appropriate international procedures” are applied.

Secretary-General Calls for Dialogue as Cambodian, Thai Troops Clash Again

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The following statement was issued on 23 April by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is troubled by reports of renewed fighting in the past two days between Cambodian and Thai troops along the two countries’ common border, which has reportedly claimed numerous lives from both sides. He had been encouraged by the initial signs of progress in regional efforts to strengthen bilateral mechanisms for dealing with the dispute between the two neighbours.

The Secretary-General calls on both sides to exercise maximum restraint and to take immediate measures to put in place an effective and verifiable ceasefire. He also believes that the dispute cannot be resolved by military means and urges Cambodia and Thailand to engage in serious dialogue to find a lasting solution.

Interview: Current ASEAN not able to solve Cambodian, Thai border row: Cambodian academics

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English.news.cn

2011-04-26

by Nguon Sovan

PHNOM PENH, April 26 (Xinhua) -- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is unlikely to be able to solve the bloodshed conflict between Cambodia and Thailand over the disputed border areas, Cambodian academics said Tuesday, warning that the conflict can lead to a rift in this bloc.

"It's beyond ASEAN's ability to solve it out despite that the ASEAN is putting its strong efforts to mediate it," said Dr. Ros Chantrabuth, advisor to the Royal Academy of Cambodia.

"I believe that only the United Nations Security Council can help to tackle the Cambodian and Thai border conflict," he added.

Meanwhile, he warned that the Cambodian and Thai row could lead to the rift in the ASEAN, and the security stability in the Southeast Asian countries could be in jeopardy if the fighting still continues for a longer time without any intervention from the third party.

Chheang Vannarith, the executive director of the Cambodian Institute for Cooperation and Peace, agreed that the current ASEAN is not strong enough to solve the Cambodian-Thai border dispute.

"It's powerless and lacks unity, for the Cambodian-Thai conflict, it can be solved out at the ASEAN level only if all ASEAN members unanimously give stronger power to the ASEAN chair to put pressure on any of its members that fail to solve issues with peaceful means with international norms," he said.

He added that for now, it has only one way to temporarily end the fighting between the two countries, that is Indonesia, the current ASEAN chair, should urgently dispatch its observers to the disputed border areas despite disagreement from Thailand.

The latest in a series of deadly clashes between Cambodian and Thai troops have occurred for five straight days from April 22-26 at the 13th century Ta Moan temple and Ta Krabei temple in Oddar Meanchey province and on April 26 at the Preah Vihear temple, the World Heritage site.

The clashes left at least a dozen of both sides' troops killed and more than 30 injured.

The fighting has not only cost lives, damaged the temples, but also forced tens of thousands of civilians of both countries to flee for safe shelters.

On the latest clashes between the two neighboring countries, Dr. Ros Chantrabuth said that the renewed fighting "is due to Thailand taking Cambodia as the hostage of its internal political instability."

"Thai's attack on Cambodia is the trick of the Thai government in gaining popularity from the Thai 'yellow-shirt' group, or Thai extremists, as the election is approaching," he said. "Another reason is it is the excuse for the current Thai government to postpone the election."

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva reiterated previously that the government will hold an election in June or early July following a likely House dissolution in the first week of next month.

Chheang Vannarith said that the fighting is also the strategy of the Thai military to expand fighting zones in order to weaken Cambodian forces as it knows that Cambodia has fewer forces and logistics than them.

"So, when Cambodian forces are weakening, Thai troops will fight to capture major Cambodian locations that it wants before it allows international community, especially the ASEAN to mediate," he said.

According to the statement of the Cambodian Ministry of Defense on Tuesday, during the last four days of armed clashes, Thai troops wanted to attack and capture the Ta Moan temple and Ta Krabei temple, but failed as Cambodian troops are strong enough to defend its territory.

The ASEAN summit will be held in Jakarta, Indonesia on May 6-7.

Cambodian government spokesman and minister of information, Khieu Kanharith said Tuesday that Prime Minister Hun Sen and Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva may meet to talk on the border conflict on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit. However, the meeting must have the presence of the third party.

The ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Editor: Mu Xuequan

Cambodia rules out dialogue with Thailand

Preah Vihear - Fighting moves closer to 900-year-old temple

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Tuesday, 26 April 2011

Thailand has pressed for talks with Cambodia as troops from both sides fought with short-range rockets and guns near 900-year-old Preah Vihear temple.

Thailand has pressed for talks with Cambodia as troops from both sides fought with short-range rockets and guns near 900-year-old Preah Vihear temple.

Thai and Cambodia troops fought with short-range rockets and guns near 900-year-old Preah Vihear temple, opening a second front in a five-day confrontation that has killed 13 people in Southeast Asia's bloodiest border dispute in years.

The fighting raised concerns that hostilities had spread 150km (93 miles) east of two other ancient Hindu temples where Thai and Cambodian troops have clashed sporadically since Friday, sending more than 50,000 people into evacuation shelters.

Thai regional army spokesman Prawit Hukaew said Cambodia fired rockets after two Thai F-16 jets patrolled the area.

Six Thai houses were destroyed and a Thai soldier was wounded, he added.

There were no reports of Cambodian casualties.

Thailand has pressed for a bilateral solution but Cambodia ruled out talks until a May 7-8 leaders' summit of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Jakarta, insisting on third party mediation.

Thailand's foreign minister will meet with the chair of the Southeast Asian regional grouping on Thursday in Jakarta, as the neighbours come under mounting pressure to end the row.

Sovereignty over the three ancient, stone-walled temples: Preah Vihear, Ta Moan, Ta Krabeyand the jungle of the Dangrek Mountains surrounding them has been in dispute since the withdrawal of the French from Cambodia in the 1950s.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said she was 'deeply concerned' and urged restraint, a comment echoed by Beijing.

'We hope that both Cambodia and Thailand will maintain calm and restraint, and resolve their problems through consultation,' Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told journalists.

Until Tuesday, hostilities had been contained to jungles near the 12th-century Ta Moan and Ta Krabey temples.

Thailand says the ruins reside in its Surin province according to a 1947 map.

Cambodia says they are in its Oddar Meanchey province.

Preah Vihear, was the scene of intense clashes from 4-7 February that killed 11 people.

It has been a source of tension for generations and the two countries have been locked in a standoff since July 2008, when the temple was granted UNESCO World Heritage status.

Thailand opposed the listing on grounds that the land around Preah Vihear was never demarcated.

An international court awarded the temple to Cambodia 49 years ago, but both countries lay claim to a 4.6 sqkm (1.8 sq mile) patch of land around it.

Although on the surface, the conflict appears to be a dispute over sovereignty and territory, many experts believe the fighting is fuelled by political interests on both sides.

The two governments could be seeking to discredit each other and appeal to nationalists at home, especially as Thailand prepares for a general election expected by July.

A change in government could be in Cambodia's interests.

Analysts said the Thai military could also be flexing its muscles to preserve its sizeable stake in Thailand's political apparatus and to satisfy conservative elites at odds with the country's powerful opposition forces.

The clashes are a setback for ASEAN, a 10-member bloc modelled on the European Union with ambitions to become a regional community by 2015, illustrating the limits to regional diplomacy after the Thai army rebuffed international monitors proposed by ASEAN foreign ministers in February.

ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan has urged immediate dialogue and said ASEAN's reputation was at stake.

Thailand has evacuated more than 30,000 villagers in two border provinces, while Cambodia said 24,000 people had been moved to safety, accusing Thailand of attacking villages 20km (12 miles) into its territory.

Live from battlefield (Cambodia-Thailand)

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Tuesday, 26 April 2011 12:00 DAP-NEWS

- At 10:25 Thai soldier still fire artery to Cambodia´ s TaMoan and TaKrabey temples.

- Cambodian military officials said that the skirmish at Phnom Trap of Preah Vihear left five Thai black clad troops dead.

- Cambodian Military officials said at 19:24 PM situation is calm.

- Cambodian Military officials said the electricity in Samrong district of Oddor Meanchey were cut since 18:20 PM. The electricity were supplied by Thailand.

- Provincial governor said that till now Cambodian refugees up to 7,055 families (28,180 people)

- Till 18:12 Thai soldiers continues shelling to Cambodia

- At 17:30 PM Thai soldiers fired artery to Thmor Daun of Oddor Meanchey.

- Cambodian military officials said that at 17:25 Thai soldiers started firing artery 155 mm to Cambodia’s Bos and Keab villages.

- Cambodian military officials said that Thai soldiers started firing artery 155mm to Cambodia’s territory.

- Cambodian military officials said that till 16:42 PM Thai troops stopped firing to Cambodia’s Ta Moan and Ta Krabey temples.

- Thai source said that Thais’ ambulance evacuated wounded soldiers from the frontline

- Cambodia said that at 16:05 PM Thai and Cambodian troops were silent but the arteries still in fighting.

REFILING: UPDATE2: Cambodia, Thailand agree to hold ceasefire talks+

http://www.breitbart.com/

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PHNOM PENH/BANGKOK, April 26 (AP) - (Kyodo)—(EDS: FIXING DATELINE, ATTRIBUTION AT 6th GRAFS)

Cambodia and Thailand agreed Tuesday to discuss a ceasefire as border clashes spread to the vicinity of the ancient Preah Vihear Temple on the fifth day of fighting between the two countries, Cambodian government officials said.

The Cambodian Defense Ministry said Defense Minister Tea Banh has accepted a proposal from his Thai counterpart Prawit Wongsuwan to hold talks in Phnom Penh "in the near future."

Phay Siphan, spokesman of the Cambodian Council of Ministers, said three Thai military aircraft flew over the Preah Vihear area at 1:38 p.m. and shortly after that Thai ground forces fired rockets and artillery into Cambodian territory in the Mt. Phnom Troap and Veal Intry area near the ancient Hindu temple.

No casualties were reported on the Cambodian side.

In Bangkok, a Thai army spokesman disputed Cambodia's charges that Thai military aircraft overflew Cambodian territory and said the ensuing fighting was probably based on a "misunderstanding."

"Four F-16 jet fighters of the Royal Thai Air Force were on a patrol and training mission in northeastern Thailand...They were flying above Thai territory but the Cambodians might have reacted (out of) misunderstanding," said Lt. Col. Siriya Khueangsirikul, the army spokeswoman.

Thai defense officials said the armed forces of the two countries also resumed fighting in disputed territories near the Ta Moan and Ta Krabey temples for the fifth straight day.

Thailand's Army spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said Cambodian troops fired multiple-launching rockets toward four Thai villages near the Ta Muen and Ta Kwai temples, killing one Thai villager and wounding three others as well as three Thai soldiers.

Siriya said Thai troops had not started any fighting with the Cambodians.

"They fired recoilless rifles and artillery into Thai territory. We had no choice but to react proportionately," she said.

The Ta Moan and Ta Krabey temples, about 150 kilometers west of Preah Vihear, became a new flash point between the two military forces last Friday.

Preah Vihear had been a source of conflict between the two neighbors, who are also fellow members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

The International Court of Justice awarded the temple to Cambodia in 1962 and UNESCO, the U.N. education and science agency, put it on the World Heritage list in 2008.

Cambodian and Thai military forces have since fought several times over 4.6 square kilometers of disputed land near Preah Vihear. The last clash there had been in February.

To date, at least 12 soldiers have been killed and 57 others wounded on both sides in five days of fighting.

Phay Siphan said seven Cambodian soldiers have been killed and 17 wounded in the latest round of conflict.

Japan seeks peaceful resolution of Thai, Cambodia border clashes+

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TOKYO, April 26 (AP) - (Kyodo)—Japan on Tuesday called for a peaceful resolution of clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops along the two countries' disputed border through dialogue.

Foreign Press Secretary Satoru Sato said in a statement that Tokyo is concerned about the renewed fighting and strongly hopes that the two countries will promptly settle the conflict by heeding mediation efforts by the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations and its chair Indonesia.

Cambodian and Thai military forces have been engaged in clashes over a disputed 4.6 square kilometers of land near the Preah Vihear Temple, a World Heritage site.

But most of the clashes since Friday have taken place at the temples of Ta Moan and Ta Krabey in Cambodia, about 150 km west of Preah Vihear. The disputed temples are known as Ta Meun and Ta Kwai in Thailand.

Thai PM says border clashes won't affect election

Thailand's prime minister vowed on Tuesday to press ahead with a planned election despite the bloodiest fighting at the border with neighbouring Cambodia in recent history. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

http://www.straitstimes.com/
 

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Apr 26, 2011

BANGKOK - THAILAND'S prime minister vowed on Tuesday to press ahead with a planned election despite the bloodiest fighting at the border with neighbouring Cambodia in recent history.

Abhisit Vejjajiva said the clashes, which have left at least 13 soldiers dead and displaced thousands, will not halt preparations to dissolve the lower house of parliament soon for a vote expected to be held by early July.

'The border problem will not affect the house dissolution because there will be a caretaker government which has full authority,' he told reporters, adding that it was possible that the vote date could be announced next week.

Thailand and Cambodia, which are fighting in two areas near ancient temples along their shared jungle border, have indicated that they are preparing for ceasefire talks.

The neighbours have come under mounting international pressure to end the violence after five days of heavy weapons fire.

Thailand remains deeply divided after deadly street protests last year and the poll is expected to heighten political sensitivities in the country. -- AFP

Statement of Spokesman of the Ministry of National Defense

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Tuesday, 26 April 2011 05:28 DAP-NEWS

The Spokesman of the Ministry of National Defense wishes to update on the situation at the frontline as follows:

- Please be reminded that, on 25 April 2011 at 13:45 pm, Thailand used military aircrafts to threaten Cambodia, and at 13:55 pm Thai soldiers shelled six 155 mm artilleries into Kok Mon area, situated as deep as 22 kilometers inside Cambodian territory.

- Also on the same day from 18:05 to 21:05 pm, the Thai military opened fire on Cambodian soldiers stationing at the area of Temple of Ta Krabey and then pounded both the Temples of Ta Moan and Ta Krabey. And from 21:05 pm until the early morning of 26 April 2011, Thailand flew military aircrafts for shooting flares and surveillance over Cambodian territory.

- One Cambodian soldier died and one police officer injured on 25 April 2011.

Faithful to the political line of the Royal Government Cambodia headed by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces are standing firm to carry out their duties to defend the Cambodian territory, De Jure and the Facto, and to protect the territorial sovereignty, without any intention to occupy or claim any part of Thai military position or territory.

Despite the territorial ambition on the part of the invading Thai military to capture the Temple of Ta Moan, the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces have persistently and bravely fought back in their rights to self-defense of their territorial sovereignty. The Cambodian armed forces are in firm and full control of the Temple of Ta Moan and the Temple of Ta Krabey, and other areas in Cambodian territory in accordance with the international law and internationally recognized map.

Clinton expresses deep concern over Thailand-Cambodia border clashes

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Tuesday, 26 April 2011 11:26 DAP-NEWS

WASHINGTON, April 25 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Monday that the United States remains " deeply concerned" about the clashes between security forces along the Thailand-Cambodia border.

"We strongly urge both sides to exercise restraint, refrain from provocative acts, and immediately take all necessary steps to reduce tensions and avoid further conflict," the top U.S. diplomat said in a statement.

Cambodian and Thai troops exchanged fire in a disputed border area near the 900-year-old Preah Vihear temple for the fourth consecutive day on Monday. The fresh clashes came after a four-day conflict in February resulted in at least 10 deaths of soldiers on both sides.

Clinton expressed her support for the efforts of Indonesia in its role as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to work with both countries to reach a resolution, saying the United States is also engaging with Thai and Cambodian officials directly on this matter.

She said the United States continues to urge both countries to resolve their disputes peacefully to "help strengthen regional stability," adding that the loss of life, displacement of civilians and damage to property are "regrettable.

Pictures From Preah Vihear

Police Beatings, Arrests as Lake Resident Protest (Cambodia news in Khmer)

Six Killed in Truce-Shattering Border Clashes (Cambodia news in Khmer)

Thai Defense Minister to visit Cambodia for ceasefire talks

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English.news.cn   2011-04-26

PHNOM PENH, April 26 (Xinhua) -- Thai defense minister General Pravit Wongsuwan will visit Phnom Penh to discuss ceasefire with his Cambodian counterpart Tea Banh, according to a press release from Cambodian Ministry of Defense on Tuesday.

"Tea Banh has agreed to meet with his Thai counterpart in Phnom Penh soon in order to discuss ceasefire between the two countries" in response to the request by General Pravit Wongsuwan through a phone conversation with Tea Banh on Tuesday afternoon, the press release said.

The statement did not say when the meeting will take place.

The latest in a series of deadly border clashes between Cambodian and Thai troops occurred near Preah Vihear temple, the World Heritage site, on Tuesday after exchange of fire on April 22- 25 near the 13th century Ta Moan temple and Ta Krabei temple in Oddar Meanchey province.

The clashes left at least a dozen of soldiers dead and more than 30 injured on both side.

Editor: Chen Zhi

Suwit: Unesco to blame for conflict ( The Fucken THAI should blame for the conflict)

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Published: 26/04/2011 at 06:02 PM

Online news:

The United Nations Edcuational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) should show responsibility because the listing of Preah Vihear temple as a world heritage site has resulted in border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti said on Tuesday.

Mr Suwit, chief of the Thai delegation to the World Heritage Committee meeting to be held in Paris in June, said this after a new round of fighting erupted between Thai and Cambodian troops around Preah Vihear temple in Si Sa Ket's Kantharalak district.

Villagers living around the Phra Viharn National Park and park officials have all been evacuated for safety, he said.

Mr Suwit said he would compile information for submission to Unesco to show that before Cambodia applied for the listing of Preah Vihear temple as a world heritage site the area was visited by a large number of tourists.

But, after the listing, the temple has been closed, followed by border clashes that resulted in many deaths and injuries.

Mr Suwit said it is necessary for him to tell the world community that the key to solving the conflict is for the two countries in conflict to complete demarcation of the disputed area.

He called for Cambodia to return to negotiations under the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) framework, saying that this is the best way to end the whole problems.

Standing to lose in the conflict is the peoples of the two countries in terms of trade and economy, not the governments, he added.

Mr Suwit said he will on May 25 attend a bilateral meeting, organised by Unesco, with the Cambodian delegation prior to the WHC meeting.

The minister called for Unesco to show reponsibility.

He said clashes between the two countries derived from the fact that the temple listing was approved while the demarcation of the disputed area has not been completed.

Another temple caught in border war

A commander of Cambodian Royal Armed Forces gives instructions at a camp in the disputed area in Oddar Meanchey province (AP)

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Tuesday April 26 2011

Fighting between Thailand and Cambodia has spread to a third temple as the countries exchanged artillery fire in border clashes that have turned 50,000 villagers into refugees.

The battles near the 11th century Preah Vihear temple followed unsuccessful international attempts to secure a cease-fire in the largely long-distance artillery duels that erupted on Friday at two other temples about 100 miles to the west.

Preah Vihear was the scene of four days of deadly fighting in February and is the most prominent symbol of a border dispute between the nations that goes back generations and has long stirred nationalist sentiment on both sides of the frontier.

The latest round of fighting began around the 1,000-year-old Ta Moan and Ta Krabey temples, which are on territory claimed by both countries. Since then, at least 12 soldiers on both sides have been killed and some 50,000 villagers forced to flee.

Each side has accused the other of starting the battles.

The US has thrown its support behind efforts of Indonesia, current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, to mediate an end to the conflict.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged both sides to exercise restraint and act to reduce tensions.

Thailand has so far rejected outside intervention, saying the two countries have to resolve the dispute alone. But on Sunday, Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya indicated that Bangkok might accept Indonesian military observers at the border, a proposal already accepted by Phnom Penh.

That would probably need behind the scenes approval from Thailand's powerful military, which so far has effectively vetoed the plan to bring Indonesian observers.

Some have accused the Thai army, which staged a coup in 2006 and continues to hold influence in domestic politics, of using the border dispute to raise its profile ahead of general elections expected by early July.

Press Association

Singapore supports Indonesia in Thailand-Cambodia talks

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Jakarta, April 26 (ANTARA) - Singapore through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed support to Indonesia for its effort as the ASEAN chair to facilitate constructive dialogue between Thailand and Cambodia, a press release from the country`s embassy in Jakarta said.

"It is important for both countries to work closely with Indonesia, as the ASEAN Chair, in implementing the agreements reached during the Informal ASEAN Foreign Affairs Ministers` Meeting on February 22, 2011," the statement said.

In the statement, Singapore also hoped that a peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia can be reached by the time the 18th ASEAN Summit takes place on May 7 and 8, 2011.

Earlier, Xinhua reported 30,000 Thai residents have withdrawn from the Thai-Cambodia border area since the latest border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia. Meanwhile, from Cambodia`s side, 4,285 Cambodian families of 17,200 people have been evacuated from their homes near the border area.

During the armed clashes, six Cambodian soldiers were killed and 16 others injured. While on the Thai side, four soldiers were killed and 17 others injured, according to a report from Bangkok.

The border between Thailand and Cambodia has never been completely demarcated. The conflict is triggered by the 4.6 square kilometers of land near the Preah Vihear temple in the Thai-Cambodia border area. Cambodia`s Preah Vihear temple was enlisted as a World Heritage Site on July 7, 2008. But Thailand claims the ownership of 4.6 sq km of scrub next to the temple. Just a week after the enlistment, Cambodia and Thailand had a border conflict, triggering a military build-up along the border, and periodic clashes between Cambodian and Thai soldiers have resulted in deaths on both sides.

Meanwhile Indonesia`s Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa said there was significant progress in communication between Thailand and Cambodia after the recent border incident.

"Over the last three days since Friday (April 22), we have conducted intensive consultation with the foreign ministers of Thailand and Cambodia on developments in the settlement of their border dispute," Marty said after attending a limited cabinet meeting at the presidential office on Monday (April 25).

In the intensive consultation, it was agreed to hold a direct meeting of the three foreign ministers, he said.

"It`s possible that a direct meeting among the three of us will be held, but it has not yet been decided where and when, the important thing is there is continuing communication," Marty said.

He added that "the message remains the same, namely the governments of Thailand and Cambodia must immediately declare a ceasefire because what is happening is unacceptable."

"Diplomacy has been carried out continuously, Indonesia nationally and as the chairman of ASEAN, will continue helping solve the problem. Of course, it needs good will and cooperation from both parties, Thailand and Cambodia need to prioritize diplomacy not violence," he said. (ANTARA)

Kasit to meet Asean Chair in Jakarta Thursday

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By The Nation

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya will meet Asean Chair Marty Natalegawa in Jakarta on Thursday on the sideline of an Asean's ministerial meeting to discuss current border disputes with Cambodia, deputy government spokesman Supachai Jaisamutr said Wednesday.

Kasit is initially scheduled to represent Thailand in Asean's Social and Cultural meeting in Jakarta so he will take opportunity to discuss the Thai-Cambodia border dispute with Marty, also Indonesian foreign minister.

Marty, as Asean Chair, had reschuduled his planned visit to Thailand and Cambodia to push for a renewed ceasefire after both countries renewed border fightings in Surin province last Friday.

The skirmish on Tuesday spreaded to an area near Preah Vihear Temple.

Meanwhile Kasit is scheduled to brief Chinese and Vietnamese ambassadors to Thailand on the latest fatal border clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops.

Foreign Ministry's spokesman Thani Thongpakdi said Tuesday Kasit will meet the Chinese ambassador at about 5pm and the Vietnamese ambassador at 5.30pm.

Briefings come in the wake of escalating border tension between Thailand and Cambodia with the exchange of fire on April 22-25 near the 13th-century Ta Muen Thom and Tha Kwai temples in northeastern Surin province bordering Cambodia's Otdar Mean Chey province.

Fighting near Preah Vihear and in Surin

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Published: 26/04/2011 at 04:13 PM

Online news: Asia

Thai and Cambodian soldiers clashed on Tuesday afternoon in the disputed area around Preah Vihear temple on the border in Kantharalak district of Si Sa Ket province, and again on the border in Surin province.

The fighting began about 1.30pm, with sounds of fierce exchanges involving both small arms and heavy weapons, local reports said.

Continuous gunfire could be heard from the area near Wat Kaew Sika Khiri Savara, around the Preah Vihear temple and Phu Makhua.

The violence reportedly erupted after Cambodian soldiers at Wat Kaew Sika Khiri Savara opened fire at a Thai F16 fighter which was flying along the Thai-Cambodian border.

Second Army spokesman Prawit Hookaew said 10 Thai soldiers were wounded in an earlier clash today on the border in Surin province.

F-16 fighters (Photo by Somchai Poomlard)

Col Prawit said the fighting occurred between 3.20am and 5am, when Cambodian soldiers tried to capture Ta Kwai and Ta Muen Thom temple ruins but were repulsed.

Renewed fighting was reported in the afternoon as the two sides exchanged heavy fire near Ta Muen Thom temple from about 3 pm. Clashes were also reported near Ta Kwai temple and Chong Krang border pass in northeastern Surin province.

There were no reports of death or injuries from either side. In late afternoon the sound of artillery fire was still being heard.

Col Prawit said there are now civilians including women and children staying among Cambodian soldiers at all operational bases around Preah Vihear temple so Thai soldiers have to be more careful to make sure they do not shoot civilians.

"I can assure you that we can protect our sovereignty with our border defence forces.

"Negotiation is out of the question because every movement on the Cambodian side is commanded solely by (Cambodian Prime Minister) Hun Sen.

"Last night seven or eight artillery rounds were fired as us across the border and one of them landed seven or eight kilometres inside Thai territory, near Phanom Dong Rak hospital," Col Prawit said.

The spokesman said the 2nd Army has sufficient military strength to cope with the situation without having to call for reinforcements.

Dr Kamron Chaisiri, a Zone 14 public health inspector, said 10 Thai soldiers suffered minor injuries in the Surin clash early this morning.

They were admitted to Veerawat Yothin military hospital in Surin.

The incident brought the number of wounded up to 42 on the Thai side since the fighting began on Friday, while the death toll remained at five, he said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has instructed all ministries to review all areas of their cooperation with Cambodia.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva (left) and acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn (Photo by Pattanapong Hirunard)

Acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said the cabinet passed a three-part resolution today:

- Retaliatory militarily action to push Cambodian soldiers out of the disputed area.

- Diplomatic efforts to bring Cambodia back to bilateral talks.

- All ministries are to review work plans and mechanisms involving cooperation with Cambodia.

Mr Panitan said the government has important evidence to be presented in talks to bring about an end to the conflict.

The evidence will also be used to explain the situation to the international community.

He believed the situation would improve after the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia meet at an Asean meeting in Indonesia next week. Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya also has an appointment with Asean chairman Marty Natalegawa on April 28.

"Thailand will inform the Asean chair that Thailand agrees to international observers but Cambodian troops must withdraw from Preah Vihear," Mr Panitan said.

The government will continue to provide security for the people and take steps to prevent the conflict from escalating further, although Cambodia has shown the intention to do otherwise, he said.

Mr Panitan stressed that the government and the military do not have a conflict of policy.

Even when it becomes a caretaker government following a House dissolution, it will be able to keep the situation under control, he added.

This point was also made by Deputy Prime Minister overseeing security Suthep Thaugsuban.

He said a continuation of the border conflict would not disrupt the approaching general election.

"Even if the border conflict continues once the government is only in an acting role [after a dissolution], there won't be any constraints or disadvantages because the acting government can perform its duty and still has the full authority to command," Mr Suthep said.

When reporters asked the deputy premier how the border problem would be solved if Cambodia refused to negotiate, he said there will be negotiations when Cambodia is ready.

Thailand will not invade its neighbour's territory, but at the same time the army must protect the country's sovereignty, he said.

The government will not close all Thai-Cambodian border checkpoints as people living along the border in both countries would be affected, he said.

"I don't know why Cambodia wants to capture the Ta Kwai temple ruins. It could be that Prime Minister Hun Sen wants to promote his son [Hun Manet] or create a new hero. I don't want to talk further about this," he said.

Mr Suthep also said he did not believe rumours that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has cancer.

Army spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the Cambodian army has suffered more losses than the Thai military in the clashes.

"The Thai army is not on the defensive. When they fired five, we fired 20 back," he said.

Cambodia had suffered 10 times the losses of the Thai forces, he said, but the Thai army did not want to invade because it would then become a full-scale war.

He did not give actual details of the Cambodian losses.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Monday urged Thailand and Cambodia to show restraint and said Washington was "deeply concerned".

She said that the United States had engaged directly with Thai and Cambodian officials in hopes of ending the violence, without providing further details.