SURIN, May 7 (MCOT)-- Clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops at the disputed border have stopped for the time being but heavy [troops] movements are seen on both sides over fears that a new round of fighting might erupt again if negotiations in Indonesia fail to make any headway.
No border clashes near Ta Kwai [Ta Krabey] and Ta Muen [Ta Moan] Thom temples at Thai-Cambodian border in Surin province took place Saturday but Thai villagers were warned not to tend to their rubber plantations near the border as a new round of fighting could erupt again.Cambodian soldiers have made a new round of movement while Thai soldiers built more bunkers out of sandbags near Ta Muen Thom temple amid reports that fresh tensions could break out if no progress is made during negotiations between Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen while they attend a two-day Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit which starts Saturday in Jakarta.
Soldiers of the two countries have fought near the two temples since April 22, forcing the Thai government to shut down border checkpoints.
Several border checkpoints have since been reopened but cross-border trade is still sluggish as many traders still do not know that they are now open, while few tourists and gamblers have been seen in the vicinity. Some traders said they were not ready to sell their wares as usual because the market has been opened only a few days and the overall situation is still gloomy.
A checkpoint set up by Suranari Task Force near the Preah Vihear ancient temple remains in force and people are restricted from passing through. (MCOT online news)
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