Cambodia says Thai troops crossed disputed border

Posted by Cambodian News

October 14, 2008

Cambodia has accused Thailand of trying to send troops across their disputed border.

Foreign Minister Hor Namhong told reporters up to 500 Thai troops had tried to cross the border near an area where two Thai soldiers stepped on landmines earlier this month.

He made the statement after talks with his visiting Thai counterpart.

Thai foreign minister Sompong Amornvivat did not talk to the media, but Thai officials in Bangkok denied there was any attempted incursion.

Bangkok and Phnom Penh have accused each other of unprovoked aggression since a border shooting incident on October 3 in which three soldiers were wounded.

After that clash, Cambodia warned Thailand that such “armed provocation” could lead to conflict.

Cambodia again warned Thailand on Monday to immediately withdraw troops from the disputed area or risk “large-scale armed conflict”.

The Cambodian prime minister, Hun Sen, told reporters he had warned the visiting Thai foreign minister that without a quick pullout, Thai troops could face enemy fire.

Tensions between the neighbours first flared in July after a border temple was awarded world heritage status by UNESCO, angering nationalists in Thailand who still claim ownership of the site.

Source: ABC Radio Australia