BANGKOK, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's Foreign
Ministry Spokesman Tharit Charungvat said Tuesday that If Cambodia resorts to
use of force, Thailand will have to exercise its right of self-defense as
provided under the Charter of the United Nations
Tensions along Thai and Cambodian border have flared
up again on Tuesday after Thailand refused to follow Cambodia's threat to
withdraw its troops from an area near Preah Vihear Temple.
Tharit said in a statement, "If Cambodia does resort
to the use of force in accordance with its so-called ultimatum, Thailand will
have to exercise its right of self-defense as provided under the Charter of the
United Nations, in order to protect our de-mining personnel and Thailand's
sovereignty and territorial integrity."
Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen issued the
ultimatum on Monday, saying Thailand could face large-scale conflict if Thailand
failed to abide by his threat.
Tharit Charungvat said Thailand is surprised by the
remarks by Cambodian Prime Minister issuing an ultimatum to Thailand to move its
military personnel out of the area adjacent to the Temple of Phra Vihan and
threatening the use of force.
Meanwhile Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat on
Tuesday chaired an urgent meeting to discuss about Cambodia's threat to start
war if Thailand did not evacuate its troops from an area near the Preah Vihear
Temple.
Somchai reiterated that it is not possible for the
Thai troops to withdraw from the area. "It is like you are asked to retreat from
your own house," he said.
In July, tensions ran high after the ancient Preah
Vihear Temple was awarded world heritage status by UNESCO, angering nationalists
in Thailand who still claim ownership of the site.
The tension later turned into a military
confrontation, in which up to 1,000 Cambodian and Thai troops faced off for six
weeks. In mid-August, most troops evacuated and just a few dozen soldiers
stationed near the temple.
However, bilateral talks to discuss withdrawing
troops from around the temple were postponed in late August amid political
Thailand.
In October at the border area, at least one Cambodian soldier and two Thai troops were wounded during an exchange of gunfire, and two other Thai soldiers were seriously injured after stepping on a landmine.
Thai PM: Thailand can not withdraw from border area now
BANGKOK, Oct. 14 (xinhua) -- Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat said Tuesday morning that Thailand could not pull out troops from the disputed border area near Preah Vihear temple as demanded by Cambodian Prime Minister Hunsen now, local news network The Nation reported.
However, news from PHNOM PENH said that all 84 Thai troops withdrew around 1100 a.m. (0400 GMT) from the Veal Intry area where they entered Monday, after Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen issued a deadline to Thailand Tuesday, said a Cambodian senior military officer. Full story
84 Thai troops withdraw from border after Cambodian PM issues deadline
PHNOM PENH, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- All 84 Thai troops withdrew around 1100 a.m. (0400 GMT) from the Veal Intry area where they entered Monday after Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen issued a deadline to Thailand Tuesday, said a Cambodian senior military officer.
The officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, didn't elaborate on the withdrawal. Full story
Hun Sen sets Tuesday noon as ultimate time for Thai troops withdrawal from border area
PHNOM PENH, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen here Tuesday set 12 a.m. (0500 GMT) as the ultimate time for over 80 Thai troops to withdraw from the Veal Intry area, about 2,000 meters west of the Preah Vihear Temple.
Both commanders have been discussing the issue since 08:30 local time Tuesday at the area, the premier told the Fourth Asia Forum, which was attended by hundreds of foreign guests and diplomatic corps. Full story
