Cambodian-Thai border rift sees no immediate settlement - Xinhua

PHNOM PENH/BANGKOK, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- As of Friday, two days have passed without gunshots disturbing the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple after the Feb. 4-7 bloody clashes between Cambodian and Thai troops, but there's a fear that real peace is still far out of reach in the disputed border area.

The skirmishes, in which heavy weapons including rockets, machine guns, mortars and artillery were resorted to, have reportedly killed at least eight Cambodian and three Thai soldiers, wounding many more, and compelling tens of thousands of villagers to flee home for shelters.

Witnesses said damage was done to the 900-year-old temple, a World Heritage site, and that although firing had stopped for two days, additional Thai tanks were seen en route to the contested areas, and Cambodia's military deployment near the frontier was not lessened.

The border between Thailand and Cambodia has never been completely demarcated. Although the International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that the temple itself belonged to Cambodia, the row over the 4.6-square-km territory around the temple has never been resolved.

As the international community urges both sides to display restraint and calls for a peaceful solution to their age-old territorial dispute, the two neighbors are even at odds over the way of working the matter out.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen favors the United Nations Security Council's decision to hold a meeting on Feb. 14 to discuss the Cambodian-Thai border dispute.

View the original article here

Cambodia seeks UN force at Thai border - BBC News

7 February 2011 Last updated at 11:10 GMT Cambodian troops near the temple; the two sides blame each other for breaking the truce

Cambodia's prime minister has called for a UN buffer zone in a disputed area on its border with Thailand.

Hun Sen made the appeal as Cambodian and Thai troops exchanged fire around the 11th-Century Preah Vihear temple for a fourth day.

At least five people were killed in clashes over the weekend and thousands of civilians have fled the area.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has called on both sides to "exercise maximum restraint".

It has been the most sustained fighting between the two neighbours in years.

The clashes have claimed the lives of two soldiers and a civilian from Cambodia, one Thai soldier and a Thai civilian - though the two countries' media have reported differing casualty figures.

Each country accuses the other of encroaching on its territory and of firing first.

The Cambodian government says a Thai bombardment has damaged a wing of the ancient temple - but Thai officials have reportedly rejected the claim.

'Self-defence'

Mr Hun said on Monday that the confrontation was "threatening regional security".

Continue reading the main story Guy De Launey BBC News, Phnom Penh

Once again the temple of Preah Vihear has found itself in the middle of a nasty border squabble. Artillery, rocket and small-arms fire broke the peace on Monday morning - as well as an overnight ceasefire.

The Cambodian authorities say that Preah Vihear has been seriously damaged - and that a wing of it has collapsed. They've warned the UN's cultural body, Unesco, that the World Heritage site is under attack.

Thailand has denied that it's targeting the temple - and accused Cambodia of turning the religious monument into a military base.

Both sides have accused the other of opening fire first - and both have written to the UN Security Council. There, the approaches divide. Cambodia wants third-party intervention - while its larger neighbour insists the two countries should be able to work it out between themselves.

"We need the United Nations to send forces here and create a buffer zone to guarantee that there is no more fighting," he said during a university graduation ceremony in the capital, Phnom Penh.

"We will go to the UN Security Council whether you like it or not."

Mr Hun noted that Cambodia had contributed to UN missions in Africa, according to quotes on Xinhua.

He had already asked the UN Security Council to help stop what he called Thailand's "repeated acts of aggression" against his country, and asked for an emergency meeting of the Security Council.

Thailand sent its own letter to the Security Council to protest against "repeated and unprovoked armed attacks by Cambodian troops".

The Thai foreign ministry reiterated on Monday that Thai troops had acted in "self-defence".

"Thai troops had exercised maximum restraint and used force only as necessary, in a manner proportionate to the threat against them," a ministry statement said.

"Additionally, fire was directed only at military targets from where the attacks were launched by Cambodian troops."

The foreign ministry also said more than 6,000 Thais from the border area had been evacuated.

Thai nationalists

At the UN, Mr Ban's office said he was "deeply concerned".

"The secretary-general appeals to both sides to put in place an effective arrangement for cessation of hostilities and to exercise maximum restraint," it said.

No injuries were reported after the latest, brief exchange of fire on Monday.

An international court ruled in 1962 said that the Preah Vihear temple belonged to Cambodia, but the surrounding area is claimed by both sides.

In 2008, Cambodia was awarded Unesco World Heritage status for the temple, which further angered Thailand.

The most recent tension was sparked last week, when a Cambodian court sentenced two members of a Thai nationalist movement to up to eight years in prison after finding them guilty of espionage.

The two were among seven Thai politicians and activists charged with illegal entry by Cambodia after crossing into a disputed border area in December.

The case has outraged Thai nationalists.

Members of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), known as the "yellow-shirts", have been staging protests in Bangkok, urging the government to take a tougher line over the border issue.

View the original article here

Thailand, Cambodia Border Fighting Breaks Out Amid Tensions - Voice of America

Daniel Schearf | Bangkok  February 04, 2011

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, 2011

Thai 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

04-02-2011

To 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

04-02-2011

To 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

04-02-2011

i 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 Veha

Thai 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.

05-02-2011

Why 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.

06-02-2011

This 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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Thailand, Cambodia Reach Ceasefire Agreement After Cross Border Firing - Voice of America

Ron Corben | Bangkok  February 05, 2011

Cambodian soldiers sit at Preah Vihear temple after a brief clash with Thai troops, February 05, 2011

Thailand and Cambodia agreed to a ceasefire Saturday after renewed fighting in a disputed border region killed at least one soldier.

A tentative ceasefire appeared to be holding late Saturday after Thai and Cambodian troops exchanged artillery fire along their shared border.

Military officials from the two countries blamed each other for the outbreak of hostilities, the first in the region resulting in fatalities in a year.

Thai government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn says the military has specific rules of engagement that were also communicated to Cambodia.

"We have instructed the military to respond only when attacked to specific military targets only, and the Prime Minister asked the officers in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to communicate this intention clearly to Cambodia,” Panitan said. “The Prime Minister also hopes that we can continue to work with Cambodia in achieving a peaceful solution. Only we regret that we have casualties on both sides."

Fighting broke out late Friday near the 900 year old Preah Vihear temple in a disputed area near the Thai-Cambodia border.

The fighting is the latest flare-up between the neighboring nations over the disputed land and control of the ancient Hindu temple.

Both Cambodia and Thailand have laid claim to the temple. A 1962 World Court ruling awarded it to Cambodia, which also successfully had the temple declared a World Heritage site in 2008. But the exact border near the temple has never been settled, leading to periodic skirmishes.

Tensions have risen in recent days because of demonstrations by influential Thai nationalist groups demanding Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to take a tougher stance in the border dispute.

Political observers say the clashes mark a setback in steps to promote a wider political security and community grouping within the 10-member Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). Both Thailand and Cambodia are ASEAN members.

ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan expressed deep concern over the conflict, calling for and end to the violence and a return to negotiations. Surin said both sides appeared open to some form of mediation by ASEAN.

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Clashes hit Thai-Cambodia border - Aljazeera.net

Thailand and Cambodia both claim rights to the land surrounding the 900-year-old Hindu temple [Reuters]

At least two people have been killed in clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces on their disputed border, in some of the fiercest fighting seen between the two sides in years.

A Cambodian soldier and a Thai villager were killed, and five Thai and four Cambodian soldiers injured, officials said, during a two-hour artillery exchange on Friday.

The fatalities are the first since a Thai soldier was killed a year ago, and could threaten to exacerbate tensions between the two countries over land surrounding a 900-year-old Hindu temple.

Hor Namhong, Cambodia's foreign minister, said his country would file a complaint with the UN security council, accusing Thailand of invading its territory.

Cambodia's information minister said the clashes began when Thai troops ignored warnings to stop crossing into Cambodia and then sought to remove a Cambodian flag from a small temple in the disputed territory.

"We don't want to say that it was intentional. It could have been caused by a misunderstanding," he told the AP news agency.

A Thai TV station showed villagers fleeing for safety during the clash.

Spying sentences

The area around the Preah Vihear temple, a UN World Heritage site, is claimed by both countries, although the International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that the temple belongs to Cambodia, but did not determine the ownership of a small plot of land next to the ruins.

Ties between the two countries deteriorated after the temple was granted UN world heritage status in July 2008, with Thai nationalists arguing that the action threatened their country's sovereignty.

Both countries have built up military forces at the border.

Friday's clashes come three days after a Cambodian court handed down jail terms of six and eight years to two Thai nationalists found guilty of trespassing and spying in the border region.

It also coincided with meetings in Cambodia between Kasit Piromya, the Thai foreign minister, and his Cambodian counterpart, aimed at reducing tensions.

Unrest in Thailand's south

In a separate development, three security officers were killed by suspected Muslim separatists in Thailand's south.

A bomb killed killed two security officers while gunmen shot another in a separate attack, police said, the latest escalation of violence in the region.

It follows a bloody raid on an army camp, a massive roadside bombing, the execution-style shooting of a Buddhist family and several drive-by attacks in the past two weeks, which analysts believe was a political statement by Malay Muslim rebels seeking autonomy from predominantly Buddhist Thailand.

The intensification of violence comes after the government hailed the success of security operations and public relations campaigns in reducing the number of attacks.

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Clashes break out on Thai-Cambodian border - Xinhua

PHNOM PENH, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- The deadly crossfire between Thai and Cambodian troops Friday afternoon at the border area injured at least five Thai soldiers and killed one villager as the two countries' long-time dispute over an ancient temple had been under the spotlight recently.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Friday evening that Thai army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha reported to him that both sides had already ceased fire at around 5.30 p.m. The PM also assigned the military to explain the entire incident.

Thai Public Broadcasting Service quoted Jurin Laksanawisit, Minister of Education, as saying that at least five Thai troops were wounded while one villager in Khantalalak district of eastern Si Sa Ket province was killed in the clash.

Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd, Thai Royal Army's spokesman, told Xinhua the border clash started at about 3:15 p.m. after a cannon landed on Thai territory, though a military source in Cambodia said the clash was triggered as Thai bulldozers made the way to Beehive zone in front of the 900-year-old Preah Vihear temple and ignored warnings by Cambodian soldiers to stop crossing into their territory.

In response to this fresh incident, Thai military spokesman believed the artillery firing from Cambodia was unintentionally and caused by misunderstanding.

"We believe the firings were not intentionally and might have mistakenly occurred. We are now trying to control the situation. This is what the in-charge officials have initially reported but more detailed facts are needed to be examined," Sansern said.

Thai military spokesman said, however, should the Cambodian authorities gear up its military forces along the disputed area, Thailand would not give in. If Cambodia muscled up its military forces, the Thai army was ready to protect the national interest, he added.

Thai villagers living in Tambon Kao Thongchai, Kantharalak district in eastern Si Sa Ket province bordering Cambodia said they heard tens of artillery firings from the disputed 4.6 square kilometers near the Hindu temple but do not know from which side. Sporadic artillery fire could be heard for at least two hours and any artillery shells and a lot of bullet shells were found around the areas.

Residents in nine villages along the Thai side of the frontier have been asked to take shelter or leave the area, said a senior district official at Kantharalak district.

Over 50 shops at Sa Ngum checkpoint in Phusing district in Si Sa Ket which are situated about 100 kilometers away from the clashing point at Phu Makhua mountain were closed down immediately after the fierce shooting had took place.

Meanwhile, Cambodian vendors in border Sa Keo province opposite from Banteay Meanchey province of Cambodia also hastened to close their shops and crossed the border back to Cambodia after having learnt about disruption of the incident.

Kasit Piromya, Thai Foreign Minister said during a press conference in Phnom Penh that he would try his best to mend the ties of both countries.

Kasit said that the clash indicated that the border issue was very sensitive and the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO should handle the disputed issue very carefully.

"The border situation around temple is very sensitive and both sides should restrain."

The relationships between two countries should not be affected by a "minor conflict," Kasit added.

Meanwhile, Thai army Chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha made remarks Friday evening that he believed it would take some time for the Thai and Cambodian ties to be back to normalcy, but he supports the peaceful method.

"There is no use to resort to violent means. We have to handle the border issue extremely carefully; otherwise, it will badly affect the business in border provinces, lives of the Thai and the Cambodian people," Gen Prayuth said.

This latest confrontation occurred while Thailand's Foreign Kasit Piromya is in Cambodia for the 7th Joint Commission meeting to discuss with his counterpart the bilateral cooperation on various issues including the border matter.

Fresh tension between Thailand and Cambodia over the territorial dispute re-erupted as Cambodia refused to remove its national flag put up in front of Wat Keo Sikha Kiri Svarak pagoda located in the contentious areas of 4.6 square kilometers around the 11th century Hindu temple, triggering the military built-up from both sides.

The border between Thailand and Cambodia has never been completely demarcated and the issue of Preah Vihear temple has been an age-old dispute. Although the Internal Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that the temple itself belonged to Cambodia, the row over land plot of 4.6 square kilometers around the temple has never been resolved.

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