Thai-Cambodia border clashes enter 11th day

BANGKOK, THAILAND (BNO NEWS) -- Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Monday said the Thai-Cambodian border situation is generally under control, however, fighting has now entered their 11th day.

Sporadic clashes broke out since Sunday evening until Monday morning around the Ta Krabei temple and the Ta Mon temple, but reports indicate that soldiers only used small arms and grenades during the exchanges, as heavy weapons were not used. 

No casualties were reported during the latest clashes, but the fighting, which began on April 22, has resulted in the death of 17 people, including one Thai civilian. In addition, reports indicate that almost 100,000 civilians have been forced to evacuate their villages.

Last week, Thai 2nd Army commander Lt. Gen. Tawatchai Samutsakhon and Lt. Gen. Chea Mon, the 4th Army Region chief of Cambodia, agreed verbally to a ceasefire, but less than one day after the agreement, a Thai soldier was killed as clashes erupted only hours after the verbal ceasefire was agreed.

Both Cambodia and Thailand claim the 4.6 square kilometer area near the ancient Preah Vihear temple on their shared border, which has never been formally established. Cambodia requested Indonesian observers to mediate in the conflict but Thailand denied.

Tensions first escalated between the two countries in July 2008 following the build-up of military forces near the 900-year-old Preah Vihear temple. The United Nations Security Council urged both sides to establish a permanent ceasefire after at least 10 people were killed.

Clashes resumed in February as both nations claim the lands surrounding the ancient Hindu Temple, which has been damaged due to the conflict. The Preah Vihear temple dates back to the 11th century and is located on the Cambodian side of the border.

In 2008, it was inscribed on the World Heritage List in recognition of its outstanding universal value. It is considered an outstanding example of Khmer architecture and consists of a complex of sanctuaries linked by pavements and staircases on an 800-meter-long axis.

Thailand and Cambodia are scheduled to meet in next month's ASEAN summit, which is scheduled to take place in Indonesia. In addition, Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya also has an appointment to meet with ASEAN chairman Marty Natalegawa on Thursday.

Wire Update