Saturday, 17 October 2009

Thai Army Chief’s Visits Surprises Preah Vihear Soldiers

Written by DAP NEWS -- Friday, 16 October 2009
(Posted by CAAI News Media)

Cambodia soldiers stationed at Preah Vihear temple expressed surprise as Thai Regional Commander Kanok made a surprise visit to the border on Wednesday, according to a high ranking Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) official.

“Before the Thai regional commander Kanok visited, we heard the sound of three tanks and some soldiers,” Cambodian Preah Vihear Army Commander Srey Doeuk told DAP News Cambodia on Thursday.

“The Thai army party came at about 10 am on October 14, starting their visit at the Or Chak Creng area, then the Tasim gate, Phnom Trorb, and Sombok Khmoum,” he added.

However, Srey Doeuk claimed that the RCAF personnel initially thought the visit was from the highest-ranking Thai Army Chief. “It is not the first time for the visit of a Thai army chief to check the border situation near Preah Vihear. They visit often but sometimes do not give us notice.”

A tense military standoff has been ongoing since July 15, 2008, with several brief firefights that have led to several deaths and many injuries.

According RCAF officers, even though the situation is currently stable, Cambodian soldiers stand ever at the ready.

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