People's Daily Online
October 15, 2008
The Cambodian government has told its ambassador to UN to inform the U.N. about Wednesday's "weapon clash" between Cambodian and Thai troops, said a senior official.
Cambodia is still seeking for all diplomatic means to solve its months-long confrontation with Thailand over border issues, said Cambodian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hor Namhong at a press conference held at his ministry.
Two Cambodian soldiers were killed and two others wounded during Wednesday's two-hour gunfire exchange between Cambodia and Thailand, which started around 2:25 p.m. local time (0725 GMT) near the Phnom Trap in the Veal Intry area, about 2,000 meters west of the ancient Preah Vihear Temple, according to the minister.
He said that he didn't know about the casualty of the Thai side, but believed that they were hurt far more seriously.
According to Thai army spokesman Sansern Kaeowkamnerd, four Thai troops were injured and one Cambodian soldier was killed during a clash between troops from the two countries along Thai-Cambodia border on Wednesday afternoon.
"Thai troops shot first and Cambodia has the right of defending its own territory," the Cambodian minister said, adding that the situation is normal now at the border area.
During the clash that occurred at three places, the Cambodian troops caught 10 Thai soldiers and have provided food for them, he said.
"We will hand over the detainees to Thailand, if they request us to do so," he added.
In addition, the minister confirmed that both countries will conduct regional military meeting Thursday in Thailand.
Earlier Wednesday afternoon, the Cambodian Council of Ministersissued a statement, saying that "On Oct. 15, 2008, at 0215 p.m., Thai troops attacked the Cambodian troops at three different places deep inside the Cambodian territory."
The statement also specified the places where the attacks were conducted.
In July, tensions ran high after the ancient Preah Vihear Temple was awarded world heritage status by UNESCO, angering nationalists in Thailand who still claim ownership of the site.
The tension later turned into a military stalemate, in which upto 1,000 Cambodian and Thai troops faced off for six weeks. In mid-August, most troops evacuated and just a few dozen soldiers stationed near the temple.
Bilateral talks to discuss withdrawing troops from around the temple were postponed late August amid political turmoil in Thailand.
In October at the border area, at least one Cambodian soldier and two Thai troops were wounded during an exchange of gunfire, and two other Thai soldiers were seriously injured after stepping on a landmine.
Source: Xinhua
October 15, 2008
The Cambodian government has told its ambassador to UN to inform the U.N. about Wednesday's "weapon clash" between Cambodian and Thai troops, said a senior official.
Cambodia is still seeking for all diplomatic means to solve its months-long confrontation with Thailand over border issues, said Cambodian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hor Namhong at a press conference held at his ministry.
Two Cambodian soldiers were killed and two others wounded during Wednesday's two-hour gunfire exchange between Cambodia and Thailand, which started around 2:25 p.m. local time (0725 GMT) near the Phnom Trap in the Veal Intry area, about 2,000 meters west of the ancient Preah Vihear Temple, according to the minister.
He said that he didn't know about the casualty of the Thai side, but believed that they were hurt far more seriously.
According to Thai army spokesman Sansern Kaeowkamnerd, four Thai troops were injured and one Cambodian soldier was killed during a clash between troops from the two countries along Thai-Cambodia border on Wednesday afternoon.
"Thai troops shot first and Cambodia has the right of defending its own territory," the Cambodian minister said, adding that the situation is normal now at the border area.
During the clash that occurred at three places, the Cambodian troops caught 10 Thai soldiers and have provided food for them, he said.
"We will hand over the detainees to Thailand, if they request us to do so," he added.
In addition, the minister confirmed that both countries will conduct regional military meeting Thursday in Thailand.
Earlier Wednesday afternoon, the Cambodian Council of Ministersissued a statement, saying that "On Oct. 15, 2008, at 0215 p.m., Thai troops attacked the Cambodian troops at three different places deep inside the Cambodian territory."
The statement also specified the places where the attacks were conducted.
In July, tensions ran high after the ancient Preah Vihear Temple was awarded world heritage status by UNESCO, angering nationalists in Thailand who still claim ownership of the site.
The tension later turned into a military stalemate, in which upto 1,000 Cambodian and Thai troops faced off for six weeks. In mid-August, most troops evacuated and just a few dozen soldiers stationed near the temple.
Bilateral talks to discuss withdrawing troops from around the temple were postponed late August amid political turmoil in Thailand.
In October at the border area, at least one Cambodian soldier and two Thai troops were wounded during an exchange of gunfire, and two other Thai soldiers were seriously injured after stepping on a landmine.
Source: Xinhua
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