Why bother fighting, when you can eat with us?

Fresh meals, better living conditions and support from local residents are the secret weapons that Thai soldiers stationed near Preah Vihear temple use to wage a psychological battle against the Cambodian troops facing them.

Soldiers tell their Cambodian counterparts that they have plenty of delicious dishes and cold soft drinks served to them every day.

"We sometimes give our meals to Cambodian troops as they rarely have food to eat," said Col Thanasak Mitraphanont, head of the 23rd military ranger special task force.

Both sides maintain a military presence on the border, despite a recent easing in hostilities near the 4.6-square-kilometre disputed area.

About 10,000 troops from each side remain at various locations near the Preah Vihear temple ruins. At some points, they are just 50-100 metres from each other.

During a break in the clashes, Thai troops often invite Cambodian soldiers for a meal and give them some food. "Why do you fight? They give you dry fish and dried food to eat.

"Eat with us instead. We have larb mu [spicy minced meat with herbs and seasoning], grilled chicken and ice-cold cola," Col Thanasak quoted Thai soldiers as saying when meeting their Cambodian counterparts.

Thai soldiers also dressed better. Most Cambodian soldiers donned worn-out uniforms, while Thai uniforms were in good shape, he said. Many Cambodian forces on the front line are former Khmer Rouge soldiers who have endured tough fighting conditions before.

Several Cambodian troops said they had only sticky rice and cans of sardines to eat, said Col Thanasak.

"Sometimes, they have nothing at all. Our soldiers share their food, such as canned fish and snacks, particularly doughnuts.

Some Cambodian soldiers have never eaten doughnuts before," he said.

Col Thanasak said did not know whether his talking about food would dampen the spirits of Cambodian troops. But he heard that many Cambodian troops had deserted their bases.

He quoted a Cambodian soldier as saying that troops from Special Forces 70 and 911 under the command of Lt Gen Hun Manet, son of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, were well fed and enjoyed a comfortable life. However, not all Cambodian soldiers were lucky enough to serve with those units.

Thai troops recently installed a loudspeaker at Pha Mor I Dang cliff in front of the Preah Vihear temple to spread messages aimed at winning the battle psychologically.

Col Thanasak said the army plays music and monks' chants through loudspeakers, in both Thai and Khmer. "What we try to say is why do we fight? Our lives are no better off," he added.

The commander said he and his troops feel uneasy when they see Cambodian troops bringing their families to stay with them at their military bases.

If fighting erupts, the children and women may be hurt, they said.

Bangkok Post