Troop reductions not seen at Preah Vihear; Thai village defence volunteers ready

SI SA KET, July 4 (TNA) – Neither Thailand nor Cambodia have reduced their military personnel at the ancient Preah Vihear temple, and Thai village defence volunteers in the area are now fully prepared to defend their villages if Cambodian troops intrude into Thai territory.
 
The situation around the temple, listed as a World Heritage Site in July 2008 following Cambodia’s application to a committee of the United Nations for Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), remained tense Saturday, one day after Thai Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said the two countries had started reducing the numbers of their military personnel deployed along the border to ease tension between the two neighbouring countries.
 
But Mr. Suthep on Saturday said the cut in military personnel at the border would have to be dealt with by senior military officers of both countries.
 
Thai and Cambodian soldiers posted at Preah Vihear temple were seen only 50 metres apart, with their combat gear ready, while villagers living near the border had already changed from collecting forest products to other occupations from collecting forestry products for sale, at least for the time being, as they were told not to go near the tense border.
 
A village chief in Kantharalak district bordering Cambodia said that so far no villagers had been evacuated from their homes, but village defence volunteers were ready to join with Thai government soldiers to fight if national sovereignty is violated.
 
The International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that Preah Vihear temple belongs to Cambodia. Clashes have occurred frequently near the 11th-century monument after the temple was listed as a World Heritage Site as both countries maintain their claims on area adjoining the temple. (TNA)