Asia Pacific News
Defensive preparations made in Thai border towns
By Channel NewsAsia's IndoChina Correspondent Anasuya Sanyal | Posted: 18
November 2009 2316 hrs Photos 1 of 1
() THAILAND-CAMBODIA BORDER: Defensive preparations are being made in
some Thai border towns, just kilometres away from where the two countries meet
– with bunkers set up in recent months as a part of Thai villagers'
defence strategy.
Such anti-artillery bunkers reflect the rising tension between Thailand
and Cambodia, especially along the border. Relations are at an all-time low
for a variety of reasons.
A 4.6-kilometre parcel of land near Preah Vihear temple is still disputed.
Fugitive former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra was recently welcomed by
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen to advise the government. And the arrest of
a Thai national in Phnom Penh accused of spying has resulted in a
diplomatic deadlock.
But most agree that it is a government spat and not likely to turn
violent.
"The conflict that (has) arisen at this moment is not between people. The
Cambodian people and Thai people are still good friends together and they
have good relationship, even the soldiers. No one wants any fight, but in
case we have to do it, we are ready to win," said Thai Justice Minister
Pirapan Salirathavibhaga.
In addition to evacuation plans, governments in Thai border towns have
built 340 concrete and sandbag bunkers at a cost of over US$2 million. They
said people feel more secure with them around.
And though the government said the military situation is normal on the
border, the media is denied access and told it is for their own safety.
Some analysts said Thais will put aside political divisions to unite
against a perceived external threat, but this corner of the Kingdom still
supports the former prime minister.
"Local people here like Thaksin. We are proud that a Thai become an
advisor (to another country)," said Nirandon Lumthaisong, official, Sao
Thongchai
sub-district.
An escalation of the row may include sealing the border between the two
countries.
However, locals here said this would hurt trade and their livelihoods and
make the situation much worse for the people who have already borne much of
the brunt of this conflict.
- CNA/sc
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
"Cambodia Discussion (CAMDISC) - www.cambodia.org" group.
This is an unmoderated forum. Please refrain from using foul language.
Thank you for your understanding. Peace among us and in Cambodia.
To post to this group, send email to [email protected]
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
[email protected]
For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/camdisc
Learn more - http://www.cambodia.org
