Cambodia/Thailand

Cambodia asks for UN help on Thai border

Article published on the 2008-07-19 Latest update 2008-07-19 15:45 TU

Thai soldiers reinforce a camp on the Thai-Cambodian border
(Credit: Reuters)

The Cambodian government has asked the United Nations for help to deal with the border dispute with Thailand, on the fifth day of a tense military standoff, a Cambodian offical confirmed Saturday. More than 600 Thai troops and more than 1,000 Cambodian soldiers are stationed around an ancient temple at the centre of the territorial dispute.

Military commanders on both sides are trying to calm their troops to avoid violence ahead of the peace talks planned for Monday. Cambodian troops have been banned from drinking wine to avoid any shooting.

Dipomats from the US, Chinese, French and Vietnamese embassy flew over the scene on Saturday, touring the area and taking photographs, but they did not speak to either side.

The Cambodian and Thai top military officials met Saturday morning to discuss disarming the troops.

The standoff began when three Thai protesters illegally crossed into Cambodia, vowing to reclaim Preah Vihear temple.