Troops withdraw from ancient temple after bilateral talks

Military officials from Thailand and Cambodia held talks yesterday to reduce tensions after both governments agreed to withdraw their troops from Prasat Ta Muen Thom, an ancient Khmer temple, in Surin.

- POST REPORTERS

The site was reopened at the start of March after it was temporarily closed due to a group of Cambodians spotted there on Feb 13 singing a nationalist song, a symbolic activity, which is prohibited.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai provided a briefing after a General Border Committee (GBC) meeting in Bangkok on Thursday, stating that the discussion was about reducing tensions on the border near the ruined temple. The meeting was also attended by Cambodian Minister of National Defence Tea Seiha.

Mr Phumtham confirmed both sides had agreed to pull back troops to their previous positions and exercise restraint. The communication occurred on a government-to-government level. Armed forces chiefs from both sides also discussed the issue, he said. This was merely a de-escalation of tension and not any indication of Thailand's claim to the site somehow weakening, he noted.