Standoff persists at the border

Cambodian troops 'opened fire first'

- POST REPORTERS

Tensions between the Thai and Cambodian militaries have intensified after a brief exchange of gunfire in a disputed border area of the northeastern province of Ubon Ratchathani yesterday.

There were no casualties. The exchange occurred near Chong Bok in Nam Yuen district about 5.45am. The brief clash yesterday followed a series of border conflicts this year.

The first conflict flared up on Feb 13, when a Cambodian army general led a group of 25 spouses and other family members of Cambodian troops to Prasat Ta Muen Thom, an ancient temple on the Thai-Cambodian border in Phanom Dong Rak district of Surin. The Cambodians sang their national anthem to suggest the temple ruins belong to Cambodia.

This was opposed by Thai soldiers stationed at the temple and led to the convening of a meeting of the General Border Committee on May 1. The Thai side was led by Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who later ordered Thai troops to withdraw from the temple to avoid a confrontation.

Mr Phumtham, who is also a deputy prime minister, yesterday said the Thai military's retaliation in the latest clash was necessary, saying troops had acted in self-defence and to defend the country’s sovereignty. He affirmed a ceasefire was in effect now.