Cambodian, Thai Soldiers Wounded In Border Skirmish

[Flashermac]

Fighting briefly broke out on the Thai-Cambodian border this week, a media report said today, the first such incident since the Thai junta's coup in May.

 

A Cambodian soldier was shot three times and was in hospital, while a Thai soldier was also reported wounded, The Phnom Penh Post reported.

 

It was not clear which side opened fire first in Monday’s incident near the disputed ancient temple of Preah Vihear.

 

Cambodian General Chea Tara was quoted as saying the situation had now normalized.

 

Cambodia’s porous border with Thailand has long been a bone of contention.

 

The International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that the Preah Vihear temple, around 400 kilometres north of Phnom Penh, was Cambodian territory.

 

The area surrounding the clifftop temple is still disputed.

 

The Cambodian government had strong ties to the overthrown government of former Thai premier Yingluck Shinawatra, but has tried to maintain friendly relations with the junta since it came to power in May.

 

 

 

http://www.nationmul...h-30244529.html

[YimSiam]

Too early in the game for the junta to start playing the 'defend the country from external forces bent on our destruction' card, I say. Let this pass quietly, and save that one for when you really need it, guys!

[Flashermac]

Lots of smuggling, illegal border crossing in that area. May just have been a conflict of "interest groups".