Khmer and Thai troops pull out from Ta Moan and Ta Krabey temples

Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata

Cambodian and Thai troops pulled out of Ta Moan Thom and Ta Krabey temples in order to preserve calm in the border region where an earlier tension between the two armies took place. Ho Sothy, Cambodian commander of Brigade 402, told The Phnom Penh Post that, at this time, the soldiers are posted at a distance of 800 meters from Ta Krabey temple, and 200 meters away from the Ta Moan Thom temple. He added that the situation has improved at the Ta Krabey temple because Thai troops have pulled out 800 meters away, likewise, Cambodian troops have also move away the same distance. At the Ta Moan Thom temple, troops have pulled away 50 to 200 meter away. He said that the discussion with Thailand was conducted with mutual understanding between the two troops and this led to an improvement on the earlier tension. He added that Cambodian and Thai troops are now communicating with each other. Furthermore, now, Thai troops no longer trespass into Cambodian territories as they did prior to the clash in Preah Vihear temple. Ho Sothy added also: “We kept constant contact, once every two to three days about work and border security. The situation in improving and is becoming normal. We want to have this type of situation, and we want it to be maintained like this.”