Cambodia Council of Ministers spokesman Phay Siphan, second right, points to maps during a press conference in front of the Wat Keo Sikha Kirisvara Buddhist pagoda near Cambodia's 11th century Hindu Preah Vihear temple in Preah Vihear province, February 4, 2011Thai and Cambodian soldiers have exchanged gunfire along their shared border and there are reports of fewer than 10 casualties among the two armies.
Thai and Cambodian troops exchanged fire Friday afternoon with both sides blaming the other for starting the fighting.
Gunfire and artillery shelling could be heard and civilians were evacuated from the area.
Government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn says occasional skirmishes were due to the unsecured nature of the border. He says it demonstrates a need to step up efforts under a memorandum of understanding aimed at resolving the territorial conflict peacefully.
"This is why we urge Cambodia to work with us more rapidly under the MOU to negotiate the clear demarcations so we can secure the borders much more effectively," he said.
Panitan says the clash is being investigated and that both sides need to work harder to ensure such incidents do not affect overall relations.
VOA’s Khmer service, however, reported the fighting was extensive, with artillery fire and tank clashes.
The shooting broke out as Thai officials were in Cambodia for talks aimed at resolving the border dispute.
They also met with two Thai nationalists sentenced by a Cambodian court to several years in prison this week for espionage and trespassing after entering disputed territory.
Hundreds of Thai nationalists with the People’s Alliance for Democracy, known as the Yellow Shirts, have been protesting near government offices for two weeks demanding they get tough with Cambodia.
Panthep Pourpongphan is a spokesman for the PAD, which is calling for the memorandum of understanding to be scrapped. He says the latest skirmish shows the MOU is not working.
"This fighting, is kind of evidence, is quite clear evidence that this kind of MOU has so many problems that we need to stop it and [start] new negotiations with a new MOU," Pourpongphan stated.
The fighting took place near the ancient Preah Vihear temple along the border. Thailand and Cambodia both claim territory near the temple.
The two sides have clashed over the border in the past with several deaths on both sides since 2008.
04-02-2011 Prum Seila (Cambodia)It is very bias news report. There is only one side source. VOA should work harder. The journalist need to balance the sources between both sides. The background information seem to put much more pressure on the Cambodia side. I hope the journalist should work more professionally. Sorry to criticize but you can read it by yourself. Seila
04-02-2011To Thai Government, Thai government always say that they are ready to negotiate and urge the Cambodian government to do so soon but the Thai has not shown any sincerety and readiness. They just talk and no action. Sam - USA
04-02-2011To Thai Government, Thai government always say that they are ready to negotiate and urge the Cambodian government to do so soon but the Thai has not shown any sincerety and readiness. They just talk and no action. Sam - USA
04-02-2011i agree with you Seila, i think VOA should be balance and try to come to Cambodia and ask solider there,
04-02-2011 Mao Zedong (China)US is pro Thailand. So how can VOA take a look at Cambodia side? If I were the reporter, I would quit this job and ask the director of VOA to stop its service around the world. As a journalist, it is so shameful being biased towards one side. USA wants war in the world so that USA can sell arms. How can USA being neutral?
04-02-2011 Song (USA)It is time for Cambodia and its government to take this case back to The Hague and put Thailand in the spot light again. It is strange that international communities never accepted Thailand as an aggressor. She had fought with all her neighboring countries, except China. Yes, it is the Land of the Smiles, Venice of Asia, and Land of the Free to the outside, but not to her neighbors. I wonder why Burma, Lao and Cambodia do not unify and put Thailand out of her happiness.
04-02-2011 (USA)VOA journalists? Bias, Unprofessional and lazy. Report only one side and try to convince public opinion how bad Cambodia is. But the fact, Thai creates tensions and viloate international court decision. VOA journalist should be put on tril for this bias.
04-02-2011 Merlin (USA)For now I think Philippine, Australian or New Zealand troops in the fighting area would be good to bring initial peace and separate the two forces. Then, Thai and Khmer should sit down together with UN and discover lasting peace.
04-02-2011 narin (Cambodia)As professional reporter, VOA journalist should learn more about this fighting situation. you know Cambodian troop just stay in 1 place and Thai troop loves to to forcing. As a ASEAN's friend, you should try to avoid both side to kavoid from Troop violence and encourage them to International court. Narin
04-02-2011 Jeff (Cambodia)To me after conflicts with Cambodia and Thailand, I followed many articles mostly on web and I found that international media are more bias on Thailand, they spend more of their trust on Thailand than Cambodia. I actually have no idea why, but maybe Cambodia doesn't have a very good tricks in revealing themselves as a Good person like Thailand does or maybe because they are poor or maybe they are too honest. --Jeff
04-02-2011 sunofcambodia (usa)LOL....What do you expect the reporter (Daniel Schearf) is in Bangkok? He reports this incident from his office, not form the border!
04-02-2011 Song (USA)If I were VOA journalist and want to understand this conflict better, just look back in 1979 when thousands of Cambodians were fleeting from the Khmer Rouges and North Vietnamese Army and were slaughtered by Thai army around this areas. I know several people who'd survived this ordeal, even United Nation personnel could not prevented it, they were forced into minefields and machine gunned by Thai Black Uniform army.
04-02-2011 sophak (Cambodia)It's hard to stanstill for Cambodian people to see own land are being stole by foolish neighbours. It's timing for Cambodia to let Thai know who we are and the world recognize us as well, I think. And my suggestion is being fair in journalist professional to balance of both sides between Cambodia and Thai.
04-02-2011 chai (cambodia)VOA journalist is Unprofessional because VOA is own by USA . USA alway create war for other country .
04-02-2011 Khmer Rouge kid (Canada)I think Khmers must not tolerate those black clade Siamese troopes anymore. we must teach them Khmer Rouge style, let them taste what we all when through in April 17, 1975-1979. Those Thai soldiers had killed lots of Khmer nonocents living near Preah Vihea Temple, Oudo Meanchey province. Those Siamese soldiers had looked down Khmer people.
04-02-2011 Ray (USA)Please be professional journalism: Report the real news. This report was bias on Thai side. We all know the both side have been sending their troops over the border and the clash was not avoidable. Only time can tell when would be the next clash...? As you can see, both side fight to their dead... they are soldiers !
04-02-2011 white or black (Cambodia)Daniel Schearf, I am Cambodian. I feel pain enough to read your bias news. From this news show the policy of VOA about Thai and Cambodia conflict. I start to know how the role of VOA is bias to Cambodia.
04-02-2011 mpl (thailand)This is indeed a fairly shoddy piece of journalism. The only comment coming from one of the fanatics who are demanding war with Cambodia over a 4.6 m2 piece me land that the ICJ ruled was Cambodian land in 1962. Thailand is simply refusing to abide by that ruling. America may wish to stand by her allies but surely not in direct opposition to the international court of justice.
04-02-2011 Vath.S (Cambodia)Daniel Schearf's facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=678565618 I just sent him a message told him that this is only one side source.
04-02-2011 Mike (USA)It is funny to read Thai military response. it sort of went like this. We were unintentionally shot at by the Cambodian when we unintentional crossed into Cambodian territory to unintentionally bulldozer the road. And were unintentionally forced back with tail between our legs. Everything was unintentional.
04-02-2011 concerned (USA)Need I echo the sentiment here? Yes, I do. Is VOA trying to be Fox News ("Fair and Balanced")?! I understand VOA has an agenda so perhaps slanted reporting is understandable. However, only hearing from one side (whether I'm pro or con) is frustrating and disappointing.
04-02-2011 Khmersart (USA)AP report 1 of Thai villager die, a few of Thai soldiers injured, Cambodian Newspaper report many of the Thai soldier invader dies, 2 American made Abram main battle tanks destroyed and 5 Thai soldiers captured, Thai soldier based beyond the red house burned so did the red house...
04-02-2011 Vathana (Romania)You have been taught about ethic, and news writing, but maybe this time you just forget. I better not summit this imbalanced article to my teacher, though I know I would fail. Better join my class, NWA, New Writing Again, or switch your post to a stripper--it pleases everyone.
04-02-2011 Savath (Cambodia)Folks, for latest news on Thai-Cambodian clash on Feb 04, please check this link: www.kampucheathmey.com
04-02-2011 USA Dude (U S A)First investigate the story before you write. ''This is why we urge Cambodia to work with us more rapidly under the MOU to negotiate the clear demarcations so we can secure the borders much more effectively," Were on the phone with this person? The Cambodian Goverment is 100% ready to solve the MOJ...its the Thai Parliament that holding back the MOJ and isn't this whole thing start because THE PAD/TPN protesting because they want to scrap the MOJ..? Who is ready and who is not?
04-02-2011 Ronnie Yimsut (USA/Cambodia)Everytime there is an internal political pressure in Thailand, such as the "yellow shirt" most recent sit in protest in BBK, Thai military look for excuses to ease said pressure. Cambodia happened to be most convenience place (aka punching bag) for Thailand. Go figure! Thailand had enough problems, both in BKK and down south. Time for Cambodia to turn Thailand's "yellow shirt" dirty politic into 'red one! "
04-02-2011 Ronnie Yimsut (USA (and Siem Reap Angkor, Cambodia--NOT Thailand))I read Mr. Daniel Schearf's report twice and frankly thought that his report was quite fair and balanced. I don't believe his shown bias toward Cambodia or Thailand--just a matter of factly.
04-02-2011 vietnam (vietnam)soon or later the big war two countries will happen again . Thailand knows that their military is stronger than Cambodia that is why they decided to attack Cambodia to expand their country . Thailand also knowns that Vietnam won't help Cambodia like in the past anymore because Vietnam don't have any supporting from the big countries like in the past for weapons & money .
04-02-2011 Savath (Cambodia)For centuries, bullying tactics have been used by Thailand to constantly harass her close neighbours. I totally concur with Song in the US who said that Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar should join force in teaching Thailand a lesson, particularly about how to peacefully co-exist in this sensitive region of the world.
04-02-2011 sinsisaroun (usa)I do not trust thais goverment..they looks down on our goverment.
04-02-2011 Mike (USA)do not beat the messenger, well, some are just lazy to check the facts. But the fact is Thai military is a quasi independent institution within the Thai government. The thai military controls everything, information including, obviously, they do not give all the facts on the ground to the media like other country for political reasons, It does not want to lose face. great example that it the military who is in charge, the military reprimanded the PM.
04-02-2011 Ken (US)I don't agree with your guys though. Most of you always think that your nation is doing the right things but you guys are not people living in the area. You all said biased new but you were there when it happened. How do you know that Kambodian newspaper is unbias as well as others.
04-02-2011 Joe (USA)The thai in their own mind, they think chauvinistically they are master of SE Asia despite the fact that they went to war against Cambodia and its French protectorate and lost badly, was forced to sign treaties giving up claims on Cambodia and Lao. In a good will, the French gave Trat and Chantabury to thailand. Legally, the thai has no claim over the disputed territories, but they passed their falsified map to international companies like Google as it was internationally recognized map.
05-02-2011 Peov (USA)I've also re-read Mr. Schearf's article twice. It's straight reporting without editorialization. Any complaints should be directed at Pourpongphan's shallow quotes and the Ahbisit government, who are trying to appease the yellow shirt nationalists. However, I am going to agree with most of the ongoing comments here; the Thai soldiers were the obvious aggressors, going well into Khmer territory to plant mortar bombs.
05-02-2011 Bank (Thai)We stand ready to fight by all means to those really bully and claim Thai soils. Of course we prefer to solve peacefully. For you knowledge, Thailand has refused to accept unaccurated map, claimed by the Cambodian and shown in the picture, since the first day.
05-02-2011 Cham (Australia)Panitan Wattanayagorn wants "Cambodia to work with Thailand more rapidly under MOU"? This idiot is forgetting that the Thai parliament that delaying the approval of the three MOU! So what is the point of his comment? Probably to give the perception that Cambodia is the one that makes trouble, but the truth is Thailand alone is the one causing these conflicts.
05-02-2011 Vannkorn (Cambodia)Since the past I realize that Khmer has always invaded by their neighboring countries in such different ways. One has used their cold way and another has used their hot way, but in the end, the one who used COLD way always won. If u want to expand ur territory, use COLD way. This only want Khmer to realize together.
05-02-2011 Toddy (USA)It all comes under the industrial military complex of the world divission's. Business as usual. Just another slow attempt at a hostal anexation.Who WILL be right. Is who will eventualy win. Biased propeganda is only a tool nomatter who publishes it. Remmber never let a good peace of propiganda go to waste.
05-02-2011 rasmey (cambodia)imbalanced information! one side information, how do u work ? VOA
05-02-2011 Thai Sothea (Cambodia)The report reflected poorly on the author. Though the writer is based in Bangkok, VOA also has an office in Cambodia, so excluding quotes from Cambodian sources is either an intentional bias or unethical. It is no doubt that VOA is an arm of the US government and Thailand is a US ally.
05-02-2011 Vanroth (CAMBODIA)I am in Cambodia, I know this article tends to support one side. I don't want war in Cambodia and the world, Love all the people in my neighbors country that always feed their minds to control my Country. As we see Thai want to solve her political issue so she throw it to Cambodia. We Cambodia already won in the International Court, Why does Thai solve this problem with international court?
05-02-2011 Vanroth (CAMBODIA)We Cambodia ready to go to the international Court! All Khmer-Thai soldiers have family so I don't need war after we gain only Orphaned. But I just want to tell Thai that Even Cambodia have human resource for military less than you, but we will fight till our last breath. I am ready to die for my country!
05-02-2011 Khmer (Canada)People of Patini, Shan, Lao can join Khmer to kick Thai aka Siam aka Tai back to Nanchao where they belonged.
05-02-2011 Concerened Expat (USA/Thailand)We may never know for sure who shot first. The fact is, political talks are going on to solve the border issue while the miltary does it's own bidding. My concern is that the tail is wagging the dog here......the military should answer to the government.......and please stop all this talk about getting the U.S. involved........no matter how the U.S. reacts, it will be deemed culpable. This is not about the U.S.
05-02-2011 Sidney (USA)I like Thai people. Many of them are generous. But Thai government and soldiers are so evil. They play dirty politics and make themselves appear nice to the U N. In 1979 my family and other Khmer refugees escaped the turmoil in Cambodia to settle in Thailand border in hope to resettle in USA, then we were tortured by Thai soldiers and were sent back home through Preah Vihear mountain. Many Khmer refugees were killed by land mines and starvation when they were sent back to Cambodia by foot.
05-02-2011 Rous (Cambodia)Hahaha.., this time thai would know that cambodia is stronger than them cuz of the war in 05, feb, 2010. As i'm cambodian i don't want the 2 countries to have war but, to make sure thailand know that cambodia have ability to defence their land. So, the war break out.
05-02-2011 Virak (Cambodia)VOA (Voice of Animal). The president of VOA should go to school again to learn the history and international law. Also, please learn what is journalist professional work!
05-02-2011 chumnith (cambodia)Daniel Scheart ! You'r journalist ? I don't think so coz You are not keep inform trust to people in the world. I think that you'r might be to study ethic journalist again !!!!
05-02-2011 Phearun (Cambodia)Journalism is not my major, but I am able understand pretty well what is right and what is wrong. VOA has been well-known for years and years, thus if you keep releasing information just base on only one side mostly. How can VOA become a trustful information resources any more?
05-02-2011 Sokvichear (cambodia)VOA should to come to Cambodia to listen to the other side of the story. Cambodia is only defending their property like anyone would. It's obvious that Thia PM is taking this action to get the votes from the yellow shirts.
05-02-2011 Oukdom (Cambodia)This article is one side report, and cannot acceptable. Thai spokeman tries to raise up such unbelievable reason to change MOU while MOU cannot alter if Cambodia do not agree. May be Thailand want to do such a joke again. I wish that VOA should not be appear on Cambodia's land if it cannot recover its lost brain in Thailand territory. I strongly support my country to end of the world.
05-02-2011 Rainnie (Cambodia)VOA , This is so unfair !!! I didn't mean to protect my nation but Whatever u wrote was really imbalance...i really hope u can make it more neutral next time. You're not us, u don't understand how we feel...of course we always accept the truth, but this? it's just not true enough...can u just stand in the middle rather than stand on one side?
05-02-2011 Rainnie (Cambodia)VOA , This is so unfair !!! I didn't mean to protect my nation but Whatever u wrote was really imbalance...i really hope u can make it more neutral next time. You're not us, u don't understand how we feel...of course we always accept the truth, but this? it's just not true enough...can u just stand in the middle rather than stand on one side?
05-02-2011 Veasna (Taiwan)I think that Cambodian-Thailand dispute happened because of Thailand's Pri-minister has intention to make a conflict with Cambodia. Turn back to see the ancient temple belongs to Cambodian property quite long time. However, current Thailand leaders may don't know much about their own history. Personally, Thailand Government should solve internal issues rather than put pressure on Cambodian order dispute.
05-02-2011 VehaThai is Khmer. But Thai now attack Khmer to make hard to Hun Sen.
05-02-2011 Klot (Thailand)If I were Daniel S. I would be a tuk tuk driver rather than being a ghetto journalist. If I were him, I would go and observe what really happens out there.
05-02-2011 kon khmer (cambodia)i just want peace if thailand dont want i can dead for my country
05-02-2011 Savath (Cambodia)Here's the latest news. Both Thai and Cambodian army commanders have agreed today Feb 5 on 4 points: 4 Thai soldiers captured by Cambodian troops must be released, Thailand must stop mobilizing its troops to areas of conflict, Thailand must stop its road construction work to areas of conflict and Thailand must allow the JBC to continue its demarcation work.
05-02-2011 Sophorndara (Cambodia)Thailand must known history where they got land to create their country, Cambodia had been shared big land to them created country since 12th century, so they have to respect and thanks to Cambodia. This is very bad manner nationalist be crocodile "As crocodile bring to reach water then fight back"
05-02-2011 Sorasak (Cambodia)I can see that VOA only reported on Mr Panitan Wattanayagorn comment. This comment does not reflect VOA point of view. So even though this comment is absurd, VOA should not be held accountable for the quality or authenticity of this comment. However, VOA must report on comment made from both side involved but not only one side like this.
05-02-2011 Amey Khedekar (india)let peace prevail!
05-02-2011 Smith (Thailand)A broad brush report with no emotion of favor or hatred to either side. I therefore do not understand all the screams.
05-02-2011 JokerBoxer (Cambodia)VOA reporter on Khmer should spend more time to read the Khmer history and gather enough evidence before posting such lousy report!!!!!! Why don't you see the calmness that Phnom Penh administration has and it's people while in Bangkok there are huge activists trying to bully the history and got support from you. This is harmful.
05-02-2011 Hearthom (China)Thai is crazy dog invaded all the country near thai because they have US behind so they can do everything they want.
05-02-2011 deng chet (cambodian)DEAR cambodian around the world ,all of you must pay cash to goverment to by weapon ,as BM ,AK ,atom ,more, for sponsore military around cambodia border's line, me also,please goverment span an acount to public now
05-02-2011 Vandi (Australia)If you want to know an accurate news, read the BBC news. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12372121
05-02-2011 Tola (Cambodia)I think that thai government is walking in the wrong way and the wrong policies. Their government is out of ways to walk. If thai government still do like that, thailand will be a lose country in sooner. I hope that this dispute will be better when thai government face with internation court with cambodian government.
05-02-2011 White rose (Thailand)I am sorry for what happened between the border. We don't want to start a new war.We have considered Cambodia a good friend. Some of you said that Thailand wants to expand her power or land. That is not true. A Thai soldier and a villager were killed and some were injuredin the fighting. A war brings only death and great loss. I pray Thailand and Cambodia will come back to be good friends again soon.
05-02-2011 kosally (cambodia)So far US always available for supporting Thailand, the major ally in Southeast Asia. Don't be so sad Seila. It is the nature of international policy that US government acts with their rich partner. The rich man talk and support only with the rich man.
05-02-2011 Thai (Thai)Thai leaders are crazy. They are leading the country to hell. Conflicts are happening both inside and outside.
05-02-2011 Javaraman VII (USA)Khmers always welcome peace but no longer welcome bully... We need a follow up article(s) from another VOA reporter, preferably in PP Cambodia to compare. Look to me Cambodia is defending her-self and successfully expelled the invaders. (cont)
05-02-2011 Javaraman VII (USA)(cont) The Mighty Thai armies (with annual budget of $5,000,000,000) must be very good, however one may wonder of how much of that Thai defend budget money got to buy weapons or modernized their (never seen one real battle) armed forced and how much budget money went to the pocket of their Fat military men?
05-02-2011 Javaraman VII (USA)Cont Wonder of how the RCAF destroyed 2 of the mighty Thai army M1A1 Abrams Main Battle tanks and the captured 4 of the Thai elite foot soldiers in a brief 1-2 hours fight? Those are examples indicating that the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) is no longer weak.
05-02-2011Why don't Thai Governmnent Officails know exactly history between Cambodia and Thai, Especialy The Prea Vihea is belong to whom? Or they knew well, but try to make the problems? I sure they really know. I thai people and Officails have to learn the their history, don't pass the buck to any countries around.
05-02-2011 sommon (Thailand)thai people we want to be peacfully with neighbors. because of we can't move country on to elsewhere. but if they attack us first. we aready for retort them more than we received.
05-02-2011 Daeng (Thailand)I think that Thai and Khmar will be friend right now some is come from both govertment I also wish peace
05-02-2011 Merlin (USA)To war and kill over a temple is wrong! The temple belongs to Cambodia and ASEAN should mediate the border dispute immediately with both countries agreeing to the ASEAN decision. Before war, use sincere dialogue.
06-02-2011 Humphry (USA)I don't think so Thailan violate international court decision.The International Court make clear in 1962 that it gave only the Temple to Cambodia not the land. Go back and look on the decision.
06-02-2011 Boondirek (Thailand)Did you saw picture from reuters? Why do Cambodia soldiers use area in Preah Vihar for base gun fire ? So. Is Preah Vihar should be world heritage? base for war ????? I went to this place for 2 times and I saw it was dirty , many of garbage. Many tourism paid to visit Preah Vihar but no development and good manage. Where is money ? Real coruupt....
06-02-2011 SorasakRodto (Cambodia)What I do not understand is that Thai and Khmer ( Cambodian ) have the same culture and the same tradition( typically from the same background ) and also share the same history. Some of Khmer Royal dynasty in the past of 15/16th century also related well to Thai( Thai mother and Cambodian father) ( cont ...).
06-02-2011 Fidel (Australia)Thai went to war with Lao 1984 Thai went to war with Burma Thai went to war with Malaysia Thai went to war with Cambodia, all of these wars were over the borders issue, where Franco and Siam already agree with the border demarcation line. This is 21 century, the border demarcation had been already drawing up and place in the United Nation already, where have you been all of these years. You must have in the cage or lock yourself up.
06-02-2011( cont ...). If Cambodia prospers, this will also upgrade both Khmer and Thai culture to a high level of civilization and vice versa. In this context Thailand should help Cambodia because this also means improve thai culture.
06-02-2011 SorasakRodto (Cambodia)( cont....) Most Cambodian watch thai movie and listen to thai music and we feel more familiar with that because we have the same culture. So why Thailand insults and behave so naughtily toward Cambodia like this ? This is not a smart behavior and eventually, will have no End at all.
06-02-2011 jon (usa)Thailand is always the one giving up land. Look at the history of thailand and you will see that the country is getting smaller. Look at the facts
06-02-2011 Fidel (Australia)The temple is already on Khmer land and also, approved by the International court of justices that temple belong to Khmer, it is built by Khmer not Siam, shame on you. Cambodia sent peace keeping force to Lebanon and sooner and later Lebanon will send their peace keeping force to Cambodia to protect that temple for Khmer. We do not need to fight against the cheap people like Siam; they do not recognise the International law and let the law deal with it.
06-02-2011 Steve (USA)This is just a game that the Thai nationalists doing. They were the one that made the situation worser by marching to the site and protest that the site belong to Thailand. Their plan is probably to move most of the Thai military to the border. Then soon more Red Shirt will go to the capital and make a coup again and put their leader in charge, which is formal Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in power.
06-02-2011This conflict is not so much about land issue, rather more about solving Thailand political issue. From my observation Thailand internal situation is really bad, that they have to divert attention outside to release some internal pressure
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