Monday, October 20, 2008

Thai-Cambodian border meeting postponed; Injured Thai ranger still in coma

Sunday, October 19, 2008
Bangkok Post

Cambodia has postponed the meeting to settle the border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand without giving any reason, Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Sunday.

Thai army commander Lt-Gen. Viboonsak Neepal and Cambodian Army commander Chea Mon were originally scheduled to meet in Siem Reap on Tuesday for talks to settle the border dispute.

Thailand's ministry of foreign affairs revealed that it was informed by the army that Cambodian deputy prime minister and defense minister Tea Banh called for postponing the Regional Border Committee meeting between the two countries.

It is believed that the postponement resulted from concern that the meeting, if held according to the original schedule, won't be able to reach any agreement to settle the border dispute focused on the 11th century Preah Vihear temple without a negotiation framework approved by the Thai parliament.

Dr. Prat Booyawongvirote, Permanent Secretary for Public Health said that Boonrit Khantee, a Thai paramilitary ranger who was wounded in the head, is still in coma and under close medical observation in the intensive unit.

A doctor in charge of administering treatment said that Ranger Boonrit was on a respirator and had complications. Seven Thai soldiers were wounded and two Cambodian soldiers were killed in the skirmish at the Thai-Cambodian border on October 15.

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