Cambodia protests against the aggression of Thai military at Preah Vihear

Cambodge Soir

04-10-2008

In an official letter, the authorities of the Kingdom warn the neighbour country against the consequences of this action.

Following the skirmishes in the area of Preah Vihear which resulted in an exchange of fire, the Cambodian Minister of Foreign Affairs sent an official letter to the Thai Ambassador to Phnom Penh on Saturday 4 October.

“The Royal Kingdom of Cambodia considers the actions of the Thai soldiers as being serious armed provocations”, going against the previous commitments of both countries made during meetings between the Foreign Ministers on 28 July and on 18 and 19 August.

As a matter of fact, the Cambodian authorities “protest vigorously” against this attack and request the Thai government not to renew such actions in the future, at risk of facing “serious consequences” which might result in an armed confrontation and which would harm the joint efforts of both countries in order to find a peaceful solution to the conflict of Preah Vihear.

Since Friday night, the tensions haven’t eased between the soldiers of both countries, who remain on high alert at both sides of the border.

Friday 3 October at 3.30pm, a small group of Thai soldiers encroached upon Cambodian territory, in the area of Phnom Trap, before firing shots at the Cambodian troops stationed in the area of Veal Intry. The latter immediately returned fire. One Cambodian soldier of the 43rd brigade was injured.