Thai-Cambodian Talks Held after Sunday's Clash

Thai and Cambodian soldiers have agreed to jointly find a solution to ease cross-border tension after a clash between patrol units of the two countries yesterday.

The prime minister has assured that the clash will not escalate into further violence along the border.

The confrontation took place at the overlapping territorial area between Preah Vihear Temple and Khao Sattasom in Si Sa Ket's Kantaralak district when a group of Thai soldiers were patrolling and reportedly found illegal logging in the area, guarded by armed Cambodian troops. A gunfight ensued and left two Thai soldiers injured.

A meeting between Thai and Cambodian border forces was held following the clash.

The one-hour meeting agreed that clash was caused by misunderstanding and that soldiers of both sides would withdraw from the clash site and return to their bases to ease the tension.

In the latest development, Task Force 23 Commander Colonel Thawatchai Kaewprachak traveled to the Thai -Cambodian border to meet the commander of the Third Reinforcement Division of Cambodia to discuss the matter.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva commented on the recent clash, saying there was no need to be worried about the issue since it is about trespassing on Thai soil and illegal logging, so the situation should not get out of hand.

Meanwhile, AFP quoted Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesman Lieutenant General Chum Sochiak as saying that no fatalities and injuries were reported in the clash.

Cambodian Deputy Armed Forces Commander Lieutenant General Chea Dara also claimed that the clash was caused by the trespassing onto Cambodian territory by the Thai military.
:By Thai-Asean News Network