Cambodia/Thailand

Thai troops gather on Cambodia border in temple dispute

Article published on the 2008-07-16 Latest update 2008-07-17 08:38 TU

A Cambodian flag flies on the Preah Vihear temple
(Photo: Reuters)

Hundreds of Thai troops have crossed the border into Cambodia, according to Cambodian officials, as a dispute over an eleventh century temple escalates. Cambodia also has hundreds of troops in the area around the temple, which sits on the border of the two countries.

Since 1962, the Preah Vihear temple has belonged to Cambodia, after an international court ruled on the issue. But this week, it has again become the focus of a territorial dispute.

Cambodian authorities are holding some 200 Thai soldiers on their side of the border, saying they will be released only if Thailand admits to having crossed over the border. One of the troops being held has reportedly been injured by a landmine.

The standoff began after three Thai protesters crossed a Cambodian military barricade to try to reach Preah Vihear. Cambodian police arrested them and returned them to Thailand later in the day. Following the arrest, Thai soldiers began to cross into a village in the disputed zone.

Thailand denies that any trespass took place and insists that the patrols took place on their side of the border.

Publicly, officials from both nations have called for talks to peacefully resolve the dispute over a 4.6-square-kilometre area near the temple that is home to a small Cambodian village.

Cambodia says that Thailand is refusing to end the incursion and is sending more troops into the area. Government spokesman Khieu Kanharith said that, including reinforcements, Cambodia now has 380 troops in the area.