Buriram Expats

Buriram Province - General Category => Thailand News clippings => Topic started by: Admin on February 04, 2011, 07:34:22 PM

Title: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: Admin on February 04, 2011, 07:34:22 PM: Fighting on Cambodian border
Published: 4/02/2011 at 04:53 PM
Bangkok Post: Online news:

Two or three Thai soldiers were wounded in an exchange of fire with Cambodian troops on Friday afternoon on the Thai-Cambodian border, and artillery rounds landed on Thai soil well inside the frontier, an informed military source said

The clash started about 3.20pm near the disputed 4.6 square kilometre area around the Preah Vihear temple.

Fighting was continuing, the source said. Heavy weapon rounds had landed on the Thai side of the border.

Lt-Gen Tawatchai Samutsakhon, 2nd Army commander, said it was Cambodian troops who started the shooting.

Many artillery shells landed at Huay Thip village in tambon Rung of Si Sa Ket's Kanthararak district, north of the Preah Vihear temple and about 1km from Phu Makhua mountain, which is part of the disputed area.

Two or three Thai soldiers were reported wounded.

TNN TV news carried a live report from a villager in the area, who said at 50 year old man had been killed and others hurt by artillery shells which land in his village, well inside Thai territory.

Casualties on the Cambodian side were not known.

From Phnom Penh, AFP reported:
Thai and Cambodian soldiers have clashed near a disputed temple on the two countries' shared border, officials from both nations told AFP, amid increasing tensions between them.

"A clash is ongoing", said Cambodian government spokesman Khieu Kanharith without elaborating.

A Cambodian soldier stationed near the ancient Preah Vihear temple, which is claimed by both sides, told AFP by telephone fighting had broken out. Gunfire could be heard in the background.

Reports said artillery was being used, but it was not clear by which side, or whether both were doing so.

A Thai army official at the border also confirmed the skirmish, which follows reports of a military buildup on both sides of the border in recent days.

He said fighting broke out at 3.10pm local time (0810 GMT) at Phu Makuea, near the 11th-century temple.

"The fighting is still going on," the official said. "We don't have any details or casualties yet."

Residents in nine villages along the Thai side of the frontier have been asked to take shelter or leave the area, said a senior district official at Kantharalak in the border province of Si Sa Ket.

"I can still hear artillery shelling but don't know from which side," he said.

The border clash occurred not long after Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said in Siem Riep on Friday morning that Thailand and Cambodia have reached agreement not to blow up the dispute over the national flags put up in their disputed border area near Pheah Vihear temple.

The announcement followed talks between Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya and his Cambodian counterpart Hor Namhong in Siem Reap, Cambodia, on the sidelines of Thai-Cambodia Joint Commission (JC) meeting on Friday.

Mr Kasit said afterwards they have agreed not to blow up the dispute over the flags and not to incite their people into hatred for each other.

In addition, the two countries would continue efforts to ease border tension by continuing demarcation negotiations through the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC).

Thailand earlier demanded that Cambodia remove both the Keo Sikha Kiri Svara pagoda and the Cambodian flag flying over the pagoda gate, while reasserting that the pagoda is on Thai territory. Thai troops also erected the Thai national flag in the disputed area in response.

Mr Kasit said he would visit the two yellow-shirt Thai activists, Veera Somkwankid and Ratree Pipatanapaiboon, who were sentenced by a Cambodian court to eight and six years in jail repectively for espionage, and discuss with them what further help can be provided by the government.

In a related development, the legal team of the Thai Patriots Network (TPN) will meet on Tuesday to discuss ways of helping Mr Veera and Ms Ratree then file an appeal on Feb 11 against the court verdict.

Chaiwat Sinsuwong, a TPN core member, said both Mr Veera and Ms Ratree were both insistent that they were not arrested on Cambodian soil, but the Foreign Ministry wanted them to accept the court's ruling that they were guilty as charged.

Karun Saingam, who is a member of the legal team, said the appeal would be submitted to the court on Feb 11 along with a bail request.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) should begin talks with the government to promote understanding, instead of only mounting attacks, concerning the Cambodian issues.

Mr Abhisit said if the government and the PAD could exchange opinions and help to each other, he believed it would be much easier to settle the ongoing disputes with Cambodia.

The prime minister said while the PAD was putting pressure on the government, Cambodia had sent a letter to the World Heritage Committee asking it not to allow Thailand host a World Heritage Committee meeting, because people in Thailand had called for the government to withdraw from the World Heritage Committee.

"If we join forces, it would be easier to for us to deal with Cambodia," Mr Abhisit said.

"Cambodia has taken the opportunity given by our internal discord to tell the World Heritage Committee that Thailand should not be allowed to host next year's meeting of the committee, reasoning that the Thai people want the government to withdraw from it.

"An abrupt withdrawal from the committee would not be good for our efforts to protect our interests," Mr Abhisit said.

The prime minister insisted it is necessary for the government to continue its membership of the World Heritage Committee. Thailand should not admit defeat or make an abrupt withdrawal from the committee, he added.

Mr Abhisit said the government's attempts to reach an understanding with the PAD were going in a favourable direction, but declined not to go in details.

On the PAD's planned rally on Saturday, the prime minister said everyone should bear in mind that if the situation developed in an unfavourable way it would not be good for the country.

He reaffirmed that the PAD protesters would not be allow to intrude into the Government House compound.

Pol Maj-Gen Wichai Sangprapai, commander of the Metropolian Police Division 1, said 17 companies of police will be assigned to control Saturday's planned mass rally by the PAD.

More checkpoints will be set up along routes leading to the protest site on Ratchadamnoen Nok avenue.

He had talked with PAD leaders, who said the protesters would not leave to site and move to somewhere else on Saturday.
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: redrover on February 04, 2011, 07:43:39 PM: Indeed. The hueys are actively back and forth today.
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: Admin on February 05, 2011, 09:57:18 AM: Thai-Cambodian Border Clashes Kill Six

Border clashes kill six
By The Nation
2011-02-05

PM says Thai troops reacted to Cambodian firing in worst flare-up over a decade; Phnom Penh vows to take the issue to UN Security Council today

Artillery exchanges between Thailand and Cambodia yesterday in the disputed area near the Hindu Preah Vihear Temple killed at least six soldiers and civilians on both sides as well as damaged property in one of the worst border flare-ups in a decade.

Phnom Penh plans to complain today to the United Nations over what it terms a "Thai invasion", Cambodian Foreign Ministry spokesman Koy Kuong said yesterday.

"We will lodge a complaint with the UN Security Council on Saturday [today]," he was quoted by Agence France-Presse as saying.

However, Thai Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan played down the significance of the incident. "We are negotiating now and I am sure that everything will be fine," he said.

Feb-5-border-battle.jpg (136.38K)
Number of downloads: 68

Army chief Prayut Chan-o-cha said the situation calmed down after 6pm and some Thai soldiers were slightly injured but a soldier on the ground contacted by The Nation via telephone said they were still engaged in the battle late last night. "So far we have lost two, and I was injured. We cannot go down the Phu Ma Khua hill," the injured soldier said in a short conversation before the line was cut.

After the fighting ended, Second Army Area commander Lt-General Thawatchai Samutsakhon and Si Sa Ket Governor Somsak Suwansujarit held talks with a Cambodian army commander at the Phra Viharn National Park about the clash.

Charoen Thahom, a 50-year-old resident of Si Sa Ket's Phum Srol village, was killed by an artillery shell that landed in his village while he was leading his family to seek shelter after the border skirmish broke out.

At least seven buildings, including one owned by Phum Srol School, were hit by artillery shells fired from the Cambodian side.

Three houses were set ablaze.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said last night that the Thai side fired warning shots and then responded to the Cambodian fire when the warnings were ignored. He added that the fighting now was over. However, he declined to confirm a report that Thai soldiers had been captured during the clash.

The clash occurred at a disputed border area near Phu Ma Khua hill at 3.15pm and the sound of gunfire was heard at Si Sa Ket province's Ban Phum Srol about 5 kilometres from the hill, villagers said.

"We were at a sports event when the sound of many weapons, including small arms and heavy weapons, was heard from the battlefield," a resident told The Nation via telephone.

Besides the civilian and soldiers fatality, five Thai soldiers were injured in the clash, according to Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanawisit.

Authorities told villagers to seek shelter and later evacuated them to safe areas deeper into Thai territory. Some of them moved to a downtown area of Kantharalak district, about 30km from the Preah Vihear Temple.

Thailand and Cambodia have been at loggerheads over the border area adjacent to Preah Vihear for a long time.

Both sides boosted troop numbers in the area recently after the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) staged a protest near the Prime Minister's Office demanding the government use force to kick Cambodians out of the area.

PAD leader Chamlong Srimuang said he was not happy with the border clash, since it damaged both sides. "It happened because Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva showed weakness to Cambodia," he said.

Troops clashed in 2008 and 2009 in the same area, resulting in the deaths of more than 10 soldiers on both sides.

The clash this time was fiercer as it saw the use of artillery that hit civilians and their homes. Residents saw many shells land near their villages in tambon Sao Thong Chai.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said Cambodian troops opened fire first, triggering the exchange of fire.

However, Cambodian government spokesman Phay Siphan said Thai soldiers had crossed 500 metres into Cambodian territory and opened fire first despite efforts of Cambodian troops to avoid violence.

"Although Cambodian soldiers tried to negotiate to stop the Thai soldiers from invading Cambodia, the Thai Army kept moving deeper into Cambodian territory and opened fire without provocation by Cambodian forces. We have the right to self-defence to protect our land against Thai invasion," he said.

Cambodian media reported that least two Cambodian civilians and one soldier died after Thai shells landed on the Cambodian side.

Cambodia reportedly held four Thai soldiers at Keo Sikha Kiri Svara Pagoda, which is in the disputed border area near Preah Vihear.

The clash broke out shortly after Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya finished a Joint Commission meeting with his Cambodian counterpart Hor Namhong in Siem Reap. They told reporters there that they were happy with the improving relations and agreed to use peaceful means to settle the boundary conflict.
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: isanbirder on February 05, 2011, 10:20:00 AM: Six killed (The Nation), two (everywhere else). One more this morning, apparently.

Question that needs answering: Which country is trying to distract attention from what?
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: boloa on February 05, 2011, 10:40:42 AM: Quote from: isanbirder on February 05, 2011, 10:20:00 AM

Question that needs answering: Which country is trying to distract attention from what?

Your not suggesting what I think you are suggesting,are you Mike : :unsure:......... ::)

http://irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=17675 (http://irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=17675)

Quote....
Sam Rainsy charged that a much publicized dispute with Cambodia's western neighbor Thailand over a tiny patch of border jungle was meant to distract attention from Vietnam's alleged large-scale land encroachment
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: isanbirder on February 05, 2011, 12:23:58 PM: No, I think someone is trying to distract attention from the two Thais recently imprisoned in Cambodia for spying. Since this distraction benefits both sides, I'm not sure who is creating the distraction!
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: isanbirder on February 05, 2011, 12:31:41 PM: Latest from CNA: each country accused the other of starting it, and Cambodia has complained to the UN. 3 people killed in total, 10 wounded.
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: redrover on February 05, 2011, 04:23:46 PM: Quote from: isanbirder on February 05, 2011, 12:23:58 PM
No, I think someone is trying to distract attention from the two Thais recently imprisoned in Cambodia for spying. Since this distraction benefits both sides, I'm not sure who is creating the distraction!
Yep. This was the first thing that came to my mind. Both sides good use a refresher course on public relations, propaganda, and misdirection expenditures - as the ongoing skirmishes are much ado about nothing.
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: Admin on February 06, 2011, 09:37:29 AM: Shaky truce after fresh fighting
THAI SOLDIER KILLED, GOVT THREATENS UNESCO REPRISAL, CAMBODIA GOES TO UN
Published: 6/02/2011 at 12:00 AM
Bangkok Post: Newspaper section: News

Thailand is cranking up pressure on Cambodia over the disputed Preah Vihear temple, even as a shaky ceasefire holds after the worst border fighting in two years claimed at least five lives.

The government reached a ceasefire with Cambodia yesterday after a resumption of border clashes in the morning killed one Thai soldier, taking the Thai toll to two.

Cambodia has said two of its soldiers and one civilian were killed when fighting broke out on Friday, while Thailand said a villager on its side of the border also died.

The resumption of fighting has sent thousands of people living near the border fleeing for safety, and villagers on both sides have been evacuated.

As Cambodia yesterday released four Thai rangers seized when the clashes broke out on Friday, reports emerged that the Preah Vihear temple may have been damaged.

Television footage showed smoke plumes rising near the temple, which according to Cambodia suffered "serious" damage in the fighting.

Both sides are now taking their case to international tribunals, which could further ratchet up tension along the border.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday the government would seek the suspension of Preah Vihear temple's listing as a Unesco World Heritage site following the flare-up.

The government would also submit a letter to the United Nations Security Council "clarifying" the border clashes.

"I'm asking Thais to support the armed forces in protecting the country's sovereignty," he said, adding that the army would never invade its neighbour.

In Bangkok, a few thousand supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy gathered near Government House calling on the government to resign for its handling of the Cambodia issue.

Mr Abhisit said the clashes show the border issue is sensitive and any move which could exacerbate tensions should be avoided.

Unesco's World Heritage Committee is scheduled to consider the temple's world heritage listing plan, and a development plan for the surrounding area, at a June meeting in Bahrain.

The prime minister conveyed his condolences to the families of the clash victims and said Thai soldiers were simply defending the country's sovereignty after Cambodian troops opened fire on a Thai military base in the Phu Ma Khua area of Si Sa Ket on Friday.

The renewed gunfire yesterday morning killed one soldier and wounded four others. An exchange of heavy artillery shelling on Friday afternoon left one Thai villager dead and scores of troops injured.

Thai soldiers said the morning clash took place near Huay Ta Maria village when Cambodian forces advanced towards the village and opened fire.

Thai troops retaliated and fighting broke out at two nearby locations of Ban Don-aow pass and a former border patrol base near Pha Mor E-dang.

Army spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the renewed fighting killed Sgt Wutcharin Chartkhamdee and left four other soldiers injured.

"We held onto our positions. When Cambodian troops advanced to occupy them, fighting was inevitable," he said.

Second Army commander Lt Thawatchai Samutsakhon led a delegation to meet Cambodia's Military Region 4 commander Lt Gen Chea Mon.

Following the three-hour talks, both sides agreed to stop firing, not to increase their forces in the disputed area, and improve coordination between unit commanders.

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya briefed foreign diplomats from 16 countries, after his ministry on Friday said Cambodian troops opened fire from the Preah Vihear temple area at the Thai military, and Phum Saron village.

Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong has written to the United Nations to draw its attention to the "explosive situation at the border".

In a letter to UN Security Council president Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, he said Cambodian troops had no option but to retaliate in response to "flagrant aggression" by Thai troops.

Col Sansern yesterday admitted the army had reinforced troops and artillery at the border.

Meanwhile, Unesco director-general Irina Bokova expressed her deep concern at the sudden escalation of border tensions.

She called upon both sides to exercise restraint for the sake of the temple and to talk at the highest levels to defuse the tension.
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: boloa on February 07, 2011, 11:34:53 AM: The UN released the following statement by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by reports of repeated armed clashes between 4 and 6 February 2011 between Cambodia and Thailand around their common border area, which has reportedly claimed a number of lives and led to the displacement of civilians and destruction of property.

The Secretary-General appeals to both sides to put in place an effective arrangement for cessation of hostilities and to exercise maximum restraint. He also calls on them to continue their efforts to finding a lasting solution to their dispute through established mechanisms and arrangements and a spirit of dialogue and good neighbourly relations. The United Nations remains at their disposal to assist in these peaceful efforts.

BP: Cambodia has sort to internationalize the issue by writing to the President of the UN Security Council so while the UNSG has made a statement, will the Security Council convene a meeting to discuss the issue?

http://asiancorrespondent.com/47899/un-secretary-general-expresses-concern-after-thai-cambodian-clashes/?utm_source=Asian+Correspondent&utm_campaign=5f074a956f-DAILY_RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email (http://asiancorrespondent.com/47899/un-secretary-general-expresses-concern-after-thai-cambodian-clashes/?utm_source=Asian+Correspondent&utm_campaign=5f074a956f-DAILY_RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email)
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: den Buut on February 07, 2011, 01:08:32 PM: Is it maybe a good Idea Unesco trows that temple of their list?
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: nookiebear on February 07, 2011, 01:12:36 PM: Well its getting very interesting.......An Army convey heading along the 24 has 4 load loaders in the middle with what looks like unmanned drones in the trailers
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: jimbo on February 07, 2011, 01:55:33 PM: What is a (load loaders) ????
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: boloa on February 07, 2011, 02:38:40 PM: Quote from: jimbo on February 07, 2011, 01:55:33 PM
What is a (load loaders) ????

I think Nookie means a Low Loader :laugh:
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: redrover on February 07, 2011, 03:55:25 PM: Well...it seems that they've already chipped away at the centre of attention - the historic temple in question - by shelling the living devil at the surrounding immediate area. Thai logic would dictate that they need to destroy the historic structure to save it. Tough love strategy.
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: redrover on February 07, 2011, 04:07:31 PM: We have family in the southern reaches of Prasat as my wife was talking with these folks this morning....seems to be a chaotic exodus by a number of border villages in Kap Choeng when the artillery rounds pounded the area last evening. According to reports everywhere, there are a couple of other hotspots in and around Sangkha and Bauchet. Mass evacuations were called on in Amphoe Phu Sing, Sisaket when rocket fire exchanes began there.
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: Admin on February 07, 2011, 04:16:12 PM: Quote from: redrover on February 07, 2011, 04:07:31 PM
We have family in the southern reaches of Prasat as my wife was talking with these folks this morning....seems to be a chaotic exodus by a number of border villages in Kap Choeng when the artillery rounds pounded the area last evening. According to reports everywhere, there are a couple of other hotspots in and around Sangkha and Bauchet. Mass evacuations were called on in Amphoe Phu Sing, Sisaket when rocket fire exchanes began there.

Today there was car with speaker in Buriram city calling people to donate food products to the Thai army soldiers and Thai people from the conflict area who had to leave their homes because of the fear of bombs from the Cambodian side.
A family of my neighbour reports the border villages can actually see today the Cambodian side aiming their targets to their village so they had to leave.
No safe shelters so to speak...

Donations and contributions can be done at:
INFORMATION OF NIGHT MARKET/NIGHT BAZAAR BURIRAM.

The Thai army car will come tomorrow afternoon to collect the donations/foods.

sawadi
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: Admin on February 07, 2011, 04:24:19 PM: Preah Vihear temple shelled in clashes between Cambodia and Thai CCTV News.

Preah Vihear temple shelled in clashes between Cambodia and Thai CCTV News (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJtWcizEBDA#)
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: boloa on February 07, 2011, 04:35:31 PM: Quote from: ADMIN on February 07, 2011, 04:16:12 PM

The Thai army car will come tomorrow afternoon to collect the donations/foods.

Are you telling us the Thai Army has Millions to spend on hardware but no money for food :blink:, so they send out the begging bowls. :wacko: confused2 loco

Let the Army and the Government pay for the food for the locals ,some of the stall holders at near the market will be happy with the business biggreen
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: isanbirder on February 07, 2011, 04:45:29 PM: Yes, shameful for the Thai army to appeal for food for itself. For the panicking locals, OK.

It sounds as if there is a lot of panicking near the border but, except in the immediate vicinity of Preah Vihear, there seems to be no evidence of damage being done to houses or other buildings. If anybody has pictures of such damage, please put them on this thread.
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: boloa on February 07, 2011, 04:57:02 PM: Loads of Photos on here Mike

http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/slideshow/photo//110205/ids_photos_india_wl/ra3423634917.jpg/#photoViewer=/110205/ids_photos_ts/r1517171149.jpg (http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/slideshow/photo//110205/ids_photos_india_wl/ra3423634917.jpg/#photoViewer=/110205/ids_photos_ts/r1517171149.jpg)
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: redrover on February 07, 2011, 05:43:28 PM: Quote from: ADMIN on February 07, 2011, 04:24:19 PM
Preah Vihear temple shelled in clashes between Cambodia and Thai CCTV News.

Preah Vihear temple shelled in clashes between Cambodia and Thai CCTV News (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJtWcizEBDA#)
Makes perfectly good sense. Bomb the hell outta the historic area in question. Destroy the temple site to save it. TOUGH LOVE.
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: nookiebear on February 07, 2011, 07:05:23 PM: Quote from: jimbo on February 07, 2011, 01:55:33 PM
What is a (load loaders) ????
Here is our prolific poster Jimbo..........Try contributing something constructive....If we were all like you we wouldn't have a forum punk redman thumbup
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: nookiebear on February 07, 2011, 07:27:38 PM: Quote from: jimbo on February 07, 2011, 01:55:33 PM
What is a (load loaders) ????
The Irish version of low loaders party4
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: Esco on February 07, 2011, 08:18:47 PM: Hi Guys,

My missus from Sai Ta Ku told me the army came into the village and told everyone to pack their belongings and be ready to evacuate if necessary. They can hear the fighting as it happens and most of the people are shit scared. My wife would like to leave but her family wants to stay for now so theyÂ´ll head to Prakon Chai as soon as it gets too close for comfort.

LetÂ´s hope this is just a storm in a tea cup but I have to admit IÂ´m quite worried!

Cheers,

Mike
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: Vombatus on February 07, 2011, 10:03:22 PM: Quote from: Esco on February 07, 2011, 08:18:47 PM
Hi Guys,

My missus from Sai Ta Ku told me the army came into the village and told everyone to pack their belongings and be ready to evacuate if necessary. They can hear the fighting as it happens and most of the people are shit scared. My wife would like to leave but her family wants to stay for now so theyÂ´ll head to Prakon Chai as soon as it gets too close for comfort.

LetÂ´s hope this is just a storm in a tea cup but I have to admit IÂ´m quite worried!

Cheers,

Mike

Must be very scary.
Coffee Corner will have the kettle on should you head for Prakhonchai.
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: redrover on February 07, 2011, 10:21:48 PM: Quote from: Esco on February 07, 2011, 08:18:47 PM
Hi Guys,

My missus from Sai Ta Ku told me the army came into the village and told everyone to pack their belongings and be ready to evacuate if necessary. They can hear the fighting as it happens and most of the people are shit scared. My wife would like to leave but her family wants to stay for now so theyÂ´ll head to Prakon Chai as soon as it gets too close for comfort.

LetÂ´s hope this is just a storm in a tea cup but I have to admit IÂ´m quite worried!

Cheers,

Mike
Wish the best for you and your family, Mike. Anxious as the situation might be, a better chance that this will all blow over in a few days {tensions prevail}.
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: Admin on February 07, 2011, 10:39:34 PM: News on TV, Channel 3 saying that approximately 15,600 people evacuated their homes in Sisaket where the conflict area.
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: EastFife4Forfar5 on February 07, 2011, 10:46:33 PM: Quote from: nookiebear on February 07, 2011, 07:05:23 PM
Quote from: jimbo on February 07, 2011, 01:55:33 PM
What is a (load loaders) ????
Here is our prolific poster Jimbo..........Try contributing something constructive....If we were all like you we wouldn't have a forum punk redman thumbup

nookie - you and Jimbo don't seem to be getting on very well at the moment.
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: Esco on February 07, 2011, 10:48:58 PM: Quote from: redrover on February 07, 2011, 10:21:48 PM
Wish the best for you and your family, Mike. Anxious as the situation might be, a better chance that this will all blow over in a few days {tensions prevail}.

Cheers mate. I figured it was just a big pissing contest between the two parties but IÂ´m afraid thereÂ´s a little more to it than that!

Will keep you all updated on the situation.
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: nookiebear on February 08, 2011, 08:26:48 AM: Quote from: Esco on February 07, 2011, 08:18:47 PM
Hi Guys,

My missus from Sai Ta Ku told me the army came into the village and told everyone to pack their belongings and be ready to evacuate if necessary. They can hear the fighting as it happens and most of the people are shit scared. My wife would like to leave but her family wants to stay for now so theyÂ´ll head to Prakon Chai as soon as it gets too close for comfort.

LetÂ´s hope this is just a storm in a tea cup but I have to admit IÂ´m quite worried!

Cheers,

Mike
Hi Esco,
How you keeping mate??

You cannot tell which way this is going to go I'm afraid
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: nookiebear on February 08, 2011, 08:29:18 AM: Quote from: EastFife4Forfar5 on February 07, 2011, 10:46:33 PM
Quote from: nookiebear on February 07, 2011, 07:05:23 PM
Quote from: jimbo on February 07, 2011, 01:55:33 PM
What is a (load loaders) ????
Here is our prolific poster Jimbo..........Try contributing something constructive....If we were all like you we wouldn't have a forum punk redman thumbup

nookie - you and Jimbo don't seem to be getting on very well at the moment.
That would appear to be the case swordfight
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: Esco on February 08, 2011, 02:21:25 PM: Quote from: nookiebear on February 08, 2011, 08:26:48 AM
Quote from: Esco on February 07, 2011, 08:18:47 PM
Hi Guys,

My missus from Sai Ta Ku told me the army came into the village and told everyone to pack their belongings and be ready to evacuate if necessary. They can hear the fighting as it happens and most of the people are shit scared. My wife would like to leave but her family wants to stay for now so theyÂ´ll head to Prakon Chai as soon as it gets too close for comfort.

LetÂ´s hope this is just a storm in a tea cup but I have to admit IÂ´m quite worried!

Cheers,

Mike
Hi Esco,
How you keeping mate??

You cannot tell which way this is going to go I'm afraid

Hi Nookie IÂ´m well mate thanks.

Just on the phone with me missus now. She hasnÂ´t heard any gunfire today so thatÂ´s good news I guess. Still worried sick though and her dad is being a stubborn cunt and wants to stay put. Wish they would have waited 6 weeks with this shit because sheÂ´s flying out to Holland on the 18th of March.

How are you keeping up there in the jungle?
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: boloa on February 09, 2011, 02:09:27 PM: Cambodian-Thai conflict in tweets,Twitpic's and related articles by Tharum Bun!!!

http://asiancorrespondent.com/48037/cambodian-thai-conflict-in-tweets/?utm_source=Asian+Correspondent&utm_campaign=002f73b3eb-DAILY_RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email (http://asiancorrespondent.com/48037/cambodian-thai-conflict-in-tweets/?utm_source=Asian+Correspondent&utm_campaign=002f73b3eb-DAILY_RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email)
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: redrover on February 09, 2011, 06:13:58 PM: Just as I suspected a couple of days ago, though some whom have never experienced these ongoing border disputes in recent memory {Cambodia, Laos, Burma} make more of it than it usually needs to be. I'm saddened for the unnecessary and innocent that lost lives and loved ones. Mountain out of a mole hill. UN and ASEAN advisors have been sent in and both Bangkok and Phnom Pehn wish to keep hostilities to a minimum. The real intense bickering and saber rattling that has continued for a year + now, as hopefully the illusionist in Bangkok - who I might add are the truer antagonist and blinded regarding the monument/historical dispute - might go back to their ongoing work of domestic suppression and corruptive activities and allow the historic area to be amongst it's rightful Khmer place.
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: nookiebear on February 09, 2011, 07:26:34 PM: I read somewhere today where they say 10 more tanks have been sent,,,,,This afternoon a total of 26 empty tank transporters were heading back towards Korat
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: nookiebear on February 09, 2011, 07:28:06 PM: Quote from: Esco on February 08, 2011, 02:21:25 PM
Quote from: nookiebear on February 08, 2011, 08:26:48 AM
Quote from: Esco on February 07, 2011, 08:18:47 PM
Hi Guys,

My missus from Sai Ta Ku told me the army came into the village and told everyone to pack their belongings and be ready to evacuate if necessary. They can hear the fighting as it happens and most of the people are shit scared. My wife would like to leave but her family wants to stay for now so theyÂ´ll head to Prakon Chai as soon as it gets too close for comfort.

LetÂ´s hope this is just a storm in a tea cup but I have to admit IÂ´m quite worried!

Cheers,

Mike
Hi Esco,
How you keeping mate??

You cannot tell which way this is going to go I'm afraid

Hi Nookie IÂ´m well mate thanks.

Just on the phone with me missus now. She hasnÂ´t heard any gunfire today so thatÂ´s good news I guess. Still worried sick though and her dad is being a stubborn cunt and wants to stay put. Wish they would have waited 6 weeks with this shit because sheÂ´s flying out to Holland on the 18th of March.

How are you keeping up there in the jungle?
Life is very good mate.....When are you next over??
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: redrover on February 09, 2011, 07:41:07 PM: Quote from: nookiebear on February 09, 2011, 07:26:34 PM
I read somewhere today where they say 10 more tanks have been sent,,,,,This afternoon a total of 26 empty tank transporters were heading back towards Korat
Need to prop the image up. Looks good in the press.
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: Admin on February 09, 2011, 11:07:29 PM: Thai tanks move near disputed border CCTV News (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Wm0srg9Ciw#)
Thai-Cambodia border tensions remain high CCTV News (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xokVz-Ayjso#)
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: nookiebear on February 10, 2011, 05:24:18 AM: Quote from: redrover on February 09, 2011, 07:41:07 PM
Quote from: nookiebear on February 09, 2011, 07:26:34 PM
I read somewhere today where they say 10 more tanks have been sent,,,,,This afternoon a total of 26 empty tank transporters were heading back towards Korat
Need to prop the image up. Looks good in the press.
Have you missed the point?
The Press have understated ......
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: Admin on February 11, 2011, 10:17:26 AM: Conflict goes international
By Supalak Ganjanakhundee
The Nation
2011-02-11

Security Council to 'complement' bilateral, Asean efforts to end Thai-Cambodian border clashes

Thai efforts to resolve the boundary conflict with Cambodia bilaterally have failed, with international bodies including the United Nations Security Council and Asean now involved in the matter.

The skirmishes from February 4-7 killed at least eight people, including a Thai civilian, and damaged properties including the World Heritage-listed Preah Vihear Temple.

Unlike in past clashes in 2008 and 2009, the UN Security Council has not been deterred from taking up the issue.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen consistently called for the UN body to convene an urgent meeting to stop "Thailand's aggression". At the same time, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva wrote to the UN reiterating Thailand's commitment to end the dispute using a bilateral framework.

Bangkok suggested the Joint Boundary Committee (JBC) should resume its work negotiating boundary demarcation by the end of this month, though the exact date has yet to be confirmed. The Cambodians are not likely in the mood to sit down and talk right now.

Hun Sen's strategy to internationalise the issue appears to have worked. The Security Council has requested that its secretariat provide a brief about the situation on Monday and invited Asean chairman Marty Natalegawa, Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya and Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong to attend.

"The Asean chair's attendance at the UNSC meeting represents an evolution of Asean's efforts to resolve bilateral disputes among its members as provided for by the Asean Charter," the bloc's secretary-general Surin Pitsuwan said in a statement yesterday.

"This is particularly important as it will set a precedent for future Asean dispute settlement mechanisms."

The Security Council wants its meeting on Monday to boost and complement regional and bilateral efforts, rather than signal that those efforts have failed in any way, according to a UNSC update report.

"The [UNSC] members expressed support for the mediation efforts undertaken by the chair of Asean, the foreign minister of Indonesia, but expressed willingness to hold a Council meeting pending an assessment of the ongoing regional mediation efforts," the report said.

It remains unclear what the results of the UN meeting will be. Security Council president Maria Luiza Viotti, a Brazilian ambassador, will consult with Kasit and Hor Namhong on the format of the meeting later, the report said.

Hun Sen has asked the UN to send peacekeeping forces to create a buffer zone at the disputed border area adjacent to Preah Vihear, which he claims was damaged by artillery shells from Thailand.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) has proposed sending an urgent mission to inspect the temple, but Thailand opposes the visit.

"Concerning the current situation at the border, we believe the Unesco mission now is not appropriate and makes the issue more complicated," said Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Thani Thongpakdi.

If the Unesco mission really wanted to visit the site, it would need permission from the Thai authorities, since it would have to access the temple via land under the sovereignty of Thailand, he said.

The Hindu temple of Preah Vihear, as ruled by the International Court of Justice in 1962, is situated on territory under sovereignty of Cambodia, though Thailand has argued that it possesses the surrounding areas.

The temple has been at the core of conflict between the two neighbours since last century. In 2008, tensions rose after Unesco listed the temple as a World Heritage site in the face of Thai disagreement.

Abhisit's government hoped the border skirmish would result in the suspension of the Preah Vihear World Heritage listing.

Thailand's JBC chief, Asda Jayanama, will meet with the director of Unesco in Paris today to explain the Thai position on the temple.
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: Admin on February 11, 2011, 10:18:48 AM: UN Council to hold closed meeting on Thai-Cambodia clashes
-AFP 2011-02-11

UNITED NATIONS (AFP) - The UN Security Council will hold a closed meeting Monday on border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia with the foreign ministers from the two nations, diplomats said.

Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, Cambodia's Hor Namhong and Indonesia's Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, who has been trying to mediate in the dispute, are expected to speak to the council, diplomats said.

A spokesman for the Brazilian mission, which holds the Security Council presidency for February, said Monday's meeting would be behind closed doors.

Thailand and Cambodia have blamed each other for the clashes around the ancient temple of Preah Vihear, which have left at least eight dead in the past week.

Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen sought an urgent Security Council meeting and called for a UN buffer force to be put in place. Thailand has said the dispute should sorted out between the two countries.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon spoke with the prime ministers of Thailand and Cambodia on Tuesday again offered new UN help to negotiate a peace deal.
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: Admin on February 22, 2011, 09:25:00 PM: Thailand, Cambodia agree to accept observers: ASEAN
by Arlina Arshad
AFP 2011-02-22

JAKARTA, February 22, 2011 (AFP) - Thailand and Cambodia agreed Tuesday to accept Indonesian observers and avoid further clashes over a border dispute that has claimed at least 10 lives and displaced thousands, officials said.

The agreement came during a meeting of foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Indonesia, which holds the current chair of the 10-member block.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, speaking on behalf of ASEAN, said it was a "unique arrangement" for a grouping that devotes most of its time to trade and avoids conflict resolution.

"Indonesia will observe on both sides of the border... This is an observer team, not a peacekeeping or peace enforcement team. The observer team will be unarmed," he told reporters after the talks.

He said Cambodia and Thailand had also requested Indonesia's "engagement" in subsequent bilateral negotiations, the first of which would be convened in Indonesia at a date to be specified.

"With hard work we can make things happen," the minister added, referring to weeks of behind-the-scenes activity by his office and the Jakarta-based ASEAN secretariat, headed by former Thai foreign minister Surin Pitsuwan.

Thailand and Cambodia have each accused the other of starting the clashes, which erupted around the Hindu temple of Preah Vihear earlier this month.
The temple belongs to Cambodia but the surrounding area is claimed by both sides.

Despite a UN appeal for restraint, there has been a series of skirmishes reported by both sides since a February 5 ceasefire agreement.

Thailand has resisted Cambodian calls for third-party mediation but now appears ready to allow Indonesia, as the chair of ASEAN, to play a formal role as observer of the ceasefire and future bilateral talks.

Speaking earlier in Phnom Penh, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said a third party was essential as Thailand "signs documents with hands, but cancels them by feet".

"Cambodia welcomes the Thai side's willingness to request Indonesia to send its observers to embed with their troops," he said.

"It is true that the final decision must be made between Cambodia and Thailand, but we need a third party to know."

In comments posted on Twitter, ASEAN Secretary-General Surin called the agreement a "historic day" and said both sides had pledged to "avoid further armed clashes".

ASEAN has a strict policy of non-interference in member states' internal affairs and has been criticised for doing too little to resolve conflicts and buttress regional security.

Natalegawa said the decision to send observers to a conflict zone was an important step for the grouping.

"This outcome is very important, not just on conflict resolution between Thailand and Cambodia but in capacity building by ASEAN," he said.

"This is the first time ASEAN has directly involved itself in the conflicts of member countries and come up with a solution."

No time frame has been set for the arrival of the observers, who will include soldiers and civilians, he said.

They would embed with both armies on either side of the disputed border and report to the respective governments in Bangkok and Phnom Penh on any violations of the terms of the ceasefire.

Ties between Cambodia and Thailand have been strained since Preah Vihear was granted UN World Heritage status in July 2008.

The World Court ruled in 1962 that the temple belonged to Cambodia, but both countries claim ownership of a 4.6-square-kilometre (1.8-square-mile) surrounding area.

---------------------------
ASEAN Resolves to Send Rep to Thailand-Cambodian Border
Tan Network 2011-02-22

A meeting of foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, has resolved to send a representative to the Thai-Cambodian border to inspect the area.

The representative will visit both the Thai and Cambodian sides.

The meeting also encouraged the two countries to resolve the border issue bilaterally.
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: isanbirder on February 23, 2011, 06:30:09 AM: To send observers without a prior ceasefire sounds rough on the observers!
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: Admin on March 01, 2011, 01:06:59 PM: Thailand stalls on temple visitors
By SUPALAK GANJANAKHUNDEE
THE NATION
2011-03-1

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) is prepared to send its experts to evaluate the Hindu temple of Preah Vihear as soon as Indonesian observers arrive at the disputed border area, but Thailand remains without a clear plan on when to allow the observers in.

Unesco special envoy Koichiro Matsuura was in Phnom Penh yesterday after his visit to Bangkok over the weekend for discussions with authorities in both countries on the world heritage-listed temple.
Cambodia reported to the UN cultural body that the 900-year-old sandstone temple was partly damaged during a border skirmish between Thai and Cambodian troops on February 4-7, which also claimed at least 10 lives including three civilians on both sides.

During a meeting with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sok An, Matsuura said that as soon as Indonesian observers arrived at the border-disputed area, Unesco would send experts to evaluate the |damage.

"Urgent restoration on the temple will be conducted after the evaluation of the damage and Unesco will send experts to restore the temple," Matsuura was quoted as saying by Xinhua, adding that "Unesco will not be involved in the border issue, but [only] the temple".

Sok An reportedly informed the Unesco special envoy about serious damage to the temple caused by 414 mortar and artillery shells falling on the site. "Cambodia has to publicise this information to the international communities," he said.

Thailand previously told Unesco it did not want the UN body to inspect the temple now since the situation at the border was still tense.

The Hindu temple was ruled by the International Court of Justice in 1962 as standing on territory under Cambodian sovereignty. Thailand, however, has claimed the surrounding area of 4.6 square kilometres to be under its sovereignty.

The Preah Vihear Temple was listed a world heritage site in July 2008, but Thailand has blocked the world heritage committee's consideration of its management plan because of the boundary conflict.

Bangkok wanted Unesco to suspend the management plan until the dispute with Cambodia was settled.

Although Jakarta wants to dispatch observers to the disputed area early, it is still unclear when they will arrive at the border as the role of the mission has not yet been fully agreed to by the two conflicting parties.

Thailand will not allow Indonesian observers to have full access to the disputed border areas near Preah Vihear, Army Chief Prayuth Chan-ocha said yesterday.

"I personally think there should be a classification of areas for access," Prayut told reporters. "We would allow them to see only the outside of the disputed area."

Thailand and Cambodia, during an informal meeting of Asean foreign ministers in Jakarta last week, agreed to allow observers from Indonesia to monitor a permanent cease-fire between them.

The Thai foreign and defence ministries so far have not reached common ground on the observers' roles.

Prayut said procedure for their visit should be discussed by the military-run Thailand-Cambodia General Border Committee (GBC), but the date for a GBC meeting was unknown.
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: Admin on March 16, 2011, 02:35:50 PM: BURNING ISSUE

Peace will only prevail if both sides compromise
By Supalak Ganjanakhundee
The Nation
2011-03-16

Unless Thailand and Cambodia come to a compromise on the management of the much-contested Preah Vihear, the border area near the temple will never be peaceful.

The international community, including the United Nations and Asean, is working hard to try and settle this boundary conflict.

Last week, Indonesia, in its capacity as the chair of Asean, called a meeting between both sides' Joint Boundary Committee (JBC) and General Border Committee (GBC) to discuss boundary demarcation and security arrangements at the border.

Jakarta is also preparing to send observers to assess the border situation and monitor a "permanent cease-fire" in the disputed area. However, it would take Asean a long while to bring this complicated conflict to an end.

Since the temple was named a World Heritage Site in 2008, Thailand has been doing its best to derail Cambodia's management plan, which will be considered by the World Heritage Committee this June.

Technically, Thailand should not have anything to do with Preah Vihear because a 1962 ruling from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) says the temple is situated on territory that is under the sovereignty of Cambodia. However, Bangkok fears that Phnom Penh will absorb some of the disputed area and use it as a buffer zone for the temple's management.

Conflicts over Preah Vihear have been going on since the last century. Even though Thailand accepted the ICJ verdict about the temple being under Cambodia's sovereignty, it has always had territorial claims over the area adjacent to it.

Legally, the boundary issue has nothing to do with the World Heritage Committee and should instead be dealt with by the JBC. Yet, Bangkok continues to mix it all up.

The 1972 Unesco Convention's Article 11 says: "The inclusion of a property situated in a territory, sovereignty or jurisdiction over which is claimed by more than one state shall in no way prejudice the rights of the parties to the dispute."

Indeed, Cambodia is not using any of the so-called disputed areas as a buffer zone for the temple. In its plan submitted to the World Heritage Committee in January last year, Phnom Penh confirmed that the disputed area was not included.

Yet, the Abhisit Vejjajiva government did not feel comfortable about Cambodia putting its plan of running Preah Vihear into action, and is doing what it can to block it. Prime Minister Abhisit used the February 4-7 border skirmish as a pretext to have Unesco further delay consideration of the plan.

Though the temple was partially damaged during the clash, the Thai government is stopping a Unesco team from inspecting it. Unesco's special envoy Koichiro Matsuura recently spent time shuttling between Bangkok and Phnom Penh, trying to seek a proper solution, but nothing concrete has been produced so far.

Unesco is meeting Cambodia and Thailand on May 25 in Paris to explore ways of safeguarding the Preah Vihear temple. Yet, ideas of safeguarding the temple are extremely different where the two parties are concerned.

Bangkok wants Unesco to suspend the management plan until the two countries are able to settle the boundary conflict, while Phnom Penh wants to go ahead with this management plan for the temple.

Neither side wants to compromise. At the border area, troops from both sides are prepared for a confrontation, and a military clash can break out any time if the differences are not solved.
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: nookiebear on March 16, 2011, 07:36:27 PM: Something must be going on down there as I've seen 4 Chinook flights going there in the last 2 days
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: garytaffy on March 17, 2011, 06:24:21 AM: OMG they are not using helicopters now to fly in Bush Babes for you now Nookie congrats
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: boloa on March 17, 2011, 06:58:50 AM: Quote from: garytaffy on March 17, 2011, 06:24:21 AM
OMG they are not using helicopters now to fly in Bush Babes for you now Nookie congrats

No, I think they are flying in to rescue them from him :laugh:
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: nookiebear on March 17, 2011, 08:27:37 AM: Quote from: garytaffy on March 17, 2011, 06:24:21 AM
OMG they are not using helicopters now to fly in Bush Babes for you now Nookie congrats
They seem to head to & from Prakhon Chai cheergirl
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: Prakhonchai Nick on March 17, 2011, 09:05:23 AM: They are dropping off dancing girls to perform at Coffee Corner to coincide with the alterations and refurbishment that has been carried out. Rehearsals today - the real thing tomorrow - Friday.
Title: Re: Fighting on Cambodian border
Post by: Dave the Dude on March 17, 2011, 09:59:10 AM: Funny you should say that,Nick...............................