Thai soldiers occupying O’Kbal 50

Wednesday, January 13, 2009
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata

The Koh Santepheap newspaper reported that, up until 5PM on 12 January, about 50 black-clad Thai soldiers came to occupy O’Kbal 50 zone, located on top of Phnom Dangrek Mountain. These soldiers did not pull out yet, but a decision was ade to pull out both troops that are confronting each other through a distance of 50 to 500 meters separating them now. This incident took place after Thai black-clad soldiers moved in and settled in this zone at 4PM on 11 January. A Cambodian army official based in Choam Sa-ngam gate, indicated that, when they came to set up camp, the Thai soldiers numbered 20 only. Then two Cambodian border relation officials went to negotiate with them at 9:30 PM on 11 January. The Thai commander promised to pull back in the morning of 12 January and they asked to rest there for a night. However, unlike what they promised, in the morning of 12 January, 30 additional troops were added. The same Cambodian army official source indicated that the O’Kbal 50 zone is a camp for Cambodian troops, it is placed under the responsibility of the Trapaing Prasat army district, under the command of the Oddar Meanchey army cooperation zone and this structure was put in place during last year’s armed clashes with Thailand.