'No plan to seize temple'

Phnom Penh’s claim ‘a misrepresentation’

- POST REPORTERS

The Royal Thai Army has denied an allegation made by Cambodia’s Ministry of Defence that Thailand was preparing military action to seize the Ta Kwai temple, which lies onthe disputed border between the two countries.

The allegation followed reports in the press which claimed Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, the commander of the Second Army Region, had announced plans to seize Ta Krabei temple, also known as Ta Kwai in Thailand.

The commander reportedly said the temple belongs to Thailand and must be taken back, while estimating that Cambodia lost about 3,000 soldiers in recent clashes.

Areport published by news website Cambodianess.com said in response to the claim, Phnom Penh is urging the international community to pressure Thailand to honour the ceasefire agreement not just in words but through concrete action.