Thailand denies shooting on Cambodian loggers -sic!-

Thai troops accused of killing Khmer

16/09/2009
BANGKOK POST AND AFP

The Foreign Ministry denies Thai soldiers shot and burned alive a Cambodian teenager for cutting down trees illegally on the border.

Ministry spokeswoman Vimon Kidchob yesterday said the ministry had checked the report with the Border Affairs Department under the Supreme Command and found it baseless.

Thai soldiers fired bullets into the sky near the border in Surin on Friday after finding about eight Cambodian teenagers were sneaking into Thai territory to cut down trees, Miss Vimon said.

But the Cambodian foreign ministry claimed in a letter sent to the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh yesterday Yon Rith, 16, was one of two Cambodian teenagers shot and wounded by Thai soldiers after they and others felled trees illegally on the frontier.

''One of them named Mao Kleung managed to escape the scene, while the other injured boy named Yon Rith ... was arrested and burned alive by the Thai forces,'' the letter said.

The Cambodian foreign ministry called the alleged incident an ''inhuman act'' and urged Thai authorities to investigate.

But Miss Vimon said the report was a misunderstanding. ''Thai soldiers did not use force in the incident,'' she said.

She said a Thai diplomat was summoned to the Cambodian foreign ministry yesterday to clarify the issue.

The accusation comes just days before a planned rally at the border near Preah Vihear by the People's Alliance for Democracy.

On Saturday, PAD members plan to voice their opposition to new buildings being constructed in the disputed area, claiming there are plans for Thailand to abandon the overlapping area. They say those two issues could lead to Cambodia taking firm control of the 4.6-square-kilometre zone which has not been unsettled.

Supreme Administrative Court president Ackaratorn Chularat said if the Thai government turned a blind eye to the settlement, it could eventually be seen as accepting Cambodian possession on the land.

Minister Claims Right to Rebuild Preah Vihear Market

Destroyed market (Photo: Reuters)

By Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
13 August 2009

Foreign Minister Hor Namhong on Thursday dismissed Thailand’s stance against rebuilding of a market near the contested border at Preah Vihear temple.

Thai officials have opposed the rebuilding of Psar Prasat, claiming it violates a border agreement between the two countries made in 2000.

The market of 262 stalls belonging to 319 families was destroyed in fighting between the two sides April 3, and Prime Minister Hun Sen ordered Preah Vihear provincial authorities to rebuild it.

Thailand sent a letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs July 30, claiming reconstruction violated a border demarcation agreement.

However, Hor Namhong told reporters outside the Foreign Ministry on Thursday that Cambodia had the right to rebuild the market.

“What Cambodia does does not depend on the satisfaction or non-satisfaction of Thailand,” he said. “What is in the interest of Cambodia and what is in the rights of Cambodia, Cambodiamust do.”

Cambodia demanded $2.1 million in compensation from the Thai government, claiming Thai soldiers had destroyed the market with rocket fire, but has so far received no money.

Preah Vihear Governor Sar Thavy said Thursday the provincial government had so far rebuilt 183 stalls and built a water reservoir and public toilet.

“I reconstructed a new market on our soil,” he said. “It is not affecting anyone, because in the place of the destroyed market, our people have lived and made their businesses since before the 15 July 2008 military event.

Thailand opposes the market construction in Preah Vihear again

07 August 2009
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata

The bad Thailand is still unhappy that Cambodia is rebuilding the market on Cambodian territories [near Preah Vihear temple]. Thailand sent another letter on 06 August asking anew that Cambodia negotiates with Thailand to end the construction of the market located at the bottom of the ancient stair steps to the Preah Vihear temple. Thailand accuses Cambodia of violating the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) concluded between the two countries. An official from the Preah Vihear authority told Koh Santepheap news that Thailand still demands for a negotiation to end the construction of the market, but Cambodia cannot stop it according to Thailand’s letter as the construction abides by Cambodian law, and the rebuilding is done so that people who used to trade here can restart their businesses. UNESCO did not prevent Cambodia either because the region is on Cambodian territories, and Cambodian people built their homes on this Cambodian lands before the MOU was concluded in 2000, therefore Cambodia will continue the market building as planned. Between June and August 2009, this is the 4th time that Thailand sent their protest letters against the rebuilding of the market.

Situation in Preah Vihear unchanged

August 6, 2009
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata

On 05 August, an information source from Preah Vihear temple indicated that the situation is unchanged in regards to the rebuilding of the market located at the bottom of the stair step to the temple. Army official stationed at the front headquarter indicated that Thailand sent its letter to Cambodia once only, then they followed up with Icom (radio) and telephone contact to ask for a negotiation meeting about the construction of this market. The Cambodian side told its Thai counterpart that, if they want to talk about the rebuilding of this market, it is no use meeting each other because the market rebuilding does not affect the MOU (concluded between Hun Sen and Thailand in 2001), nor does it affect Thai territory because the market is located inside Cambodia, and it belongs to Cambodian people in the past. The market was shelled and burnt down to the ground by Thai troops, therefore its reconstruction by Cambodia does not involve Thailand. The same army official said that, in truth, Thailand should pay for the damage as requested by Cambodia.

Preah Vihear market construction begins

Wednesday, 29 July 2009
Thet Sambath
The Phnom Penh Post

CAMBODIAN soldiers in Preah Vihear province are taking the first steps towards rebuilding a market near Preah Vihear temple that was destroyed by Thai rocket fire in April.

Cut timber is currently being brought to Preah Vihear temple in pickup trucks, officials said.

Because the roads are poor, soldiers have needed to carry the timber partway to the site where the new market will soon be assembled.

"Everything is cut before it is sent to the construction site," said Hang Soth, general director of the Preah Vihear National Authority. "We will just raise the timber, connect them together and it's fixed."

Prime Minister Hun Sen earlier this month said the market should have been completed by July 19, though Hang Soth said at the time that that deadline was unrealistic.

Due to inclement weather, authorities did not want to predict when the market would be completed.

"I don't know when it will be finished because now it is the rainy season," said Sor Thavy, the deputy governor of Preah Vihear province.

Ros Heng, deputy governor of Preah Vihear's Choam Ksan district, said the market could bolster tourism when the border dispute with Thailand calms down.

"The market will serve all tourists," he said.

Hang Soth said the market would be constructed with wood, zinc and thatch, and that its style would be in keeping with that of Preah Vihear temple itself.

Abhisit’s standing: No Thai compensation for damages on Preah Vihear market

Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Rasmei Kampuchea newspaper
Translated from Khmer by Socheata

Thai prime minister maintains his stance on not paying compensation for the Preah Vihear market, as demanded by Cambodia, in spite of the fact that he will be visiting Cambodia on the upcoming 12 June.

Abhisit Vejjajiva was interviewed by a Cambodian [or Rasmei Kampuchea?] journalist in Bangkok at the end of last week. The journalist asked whether Thailand will pay compensation for the Preah Vihear market which was shelled by Thai rockets on 03 April.

In this 40-minute interview, Abhisit did not show any intention of accepting responsibility for the damage. In his reply, Abhisit briefly said: “We must wait for the results of the investigation on the location on the incident, on whose land the incident occurred, and who initiated the incident.”

Through this brief reply, it appears that Thailand has no intention of conducting any investigation, and Abhisit’s statement was given only to appease the anger of the Cambodian victims.

Immediately after Cambodia sent its demand for compensation from Thailand, Kasit Piromya, Thai minister of Foreign Affairs, immediately rejected it.

The shelling and burning down of the Cambodian-owned market located at the bottom of the staircase leading to Preah Vihear was intentionally done by Thai soldiers in the afternoon of 03 April 2009. The market was burnt down to the ground, and 319 Cambodian families suffered from this loss.

The Cambodian government subsequently demanded more than $2 million in damage compensation for the destruction caused by the exchange of fire between the Cambodian and Thai armies along the border near Preah Vihear temple.

The diplomatic note sent by the Cambodian ministry of Foreign Affairs on 11 May 2009 demanded that Thailand pay more $2 million in damage compensation. In this note, Cambodia also indicated that Thai mortars burnt down 64 stalls in the Cambodian market located near Preah Vihear temple and 319 Cambodian families were victimized.

Regarding the border dispute resolution, Abhisit told Rasmei Kampuchea correspondent in Bangkok that he will try to resolve this problem as his ability allows. He briefly said that if a resolution can be found whereby no serious clash would take place and the population can live quietly, this situation would be acceptable to him as a leader.

Bangkok probes payout claim [-Kasit's all talk no action?]

Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, speaking to reporters during a reception at the Thai ambassador's residence Thursday. (Photo by: SOVANN PHILONG)

Monday, 01 June 2009
Written by Sebastian Stragio and Cheang Sokha
The Phnom Penh Post

Thai FM says Thailand investigating Cambodian compensation demands following the destruction of market in border clashes.

THE Thai government is in the process of investigating Cambodian requests for compensation following recent border skirmishes near Preah Vihear temple, according to Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya.

"I have already received the diplomatic notice from Cambodia and ordered involved institutions to investigate on this issue," he told reporters at the Thai ambassador's residence Thursday.

On May 11, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a diplomatic note to Thailand demanding US$2.1 million in compensation for the market near Preah Vihear temple, destroyed when clashes broke out on April 3. The government blames Thai rocket fire for the blaze, which engulfed 264 stalls.

Previously, Kasit was quoted in quoted by the Bangkok-based newspaper The Nation as rejecting the Cambodian claims, arguing the buildings sat on Thai territory and were destroyed in a legitimate military engagement.

But he indicated Thursday that the Thais would reassess the issue.

"...WE WOULD LIKE TO FORGE AND INTENSIFY BILATERAL COOPERATION IN EVERY WAY."

"First we have to look at the market, where it is situated, and the damage ... caused from the gunfire between Cambodian and Thai soldiers," he said.

But Moeung Sonn, president of the Khmer Civilisation Foundation, a local NGO that has lobbied for compensation from the Thai government, said that more than 300 Cambodians had lost their homes and livelihoods, regardless of where the market was situated.

"We have demanded damage compensation. We aren't talking about where the market was situated, but are focusing on the properties destroyed by the Thai soldiers," he said Sunday.

In a May 6 report on the border incident, the Cambodian Centre for Human Rights argued that the Thai action served no reasonable military function and that senior Thai leaders could be guilty of violating international law.

Phay Siphan, spokesman for the Council of Ministers, said Kasit's announcement was welcome since the country had a basic obligation to investigate the Cambodian claims, but did not comment further.

"No one can get away from their obligations under international law," he said.

In response to suggestions that domestic political turbulence had complicated Thai stances on border issues, Kasit said Bangkok was serious about resolving border conflicts, which would move forward on a "technical" basis free from political interference.

"[W]e have proven to the Thai public and also to the international community - especially to the neighbouring countries - that we are a serious government and that we would like to forge and intensify bilateral cooperation in every way," he said.

"I would like my Cambodian friends to rest assured [about] the sense of purpose and seriousness on our part to push the relationship forward."

Army Chief [Anupong Paojinda] Visits Thai-Cambodian Border Patrol Police

22 May 2009
Thai ASEAN News Network

The Army chief visited Srisaket province to inspect the Thai-Cambodian border at Preah Vihear Temple and to meet with Cambodian officials.

Army chief Anupong Paojinda and Army Region 2 commander General Viboonsuk Nipal went to Srisaket province yesterday to visit and fortify border patrol authorities at the Preah Vihear area. After that, they went to the former base of the border patrol police to meet with Cambodian military leaders.

Anupong said it is the responsibility of the foreign ministry and the government to respond to Cambodia's request for 73 million baht in compensation from Thailand.

However, the Thai army chief explained that the area damaged as a result of clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops is in Thai territory. He said it is the border committee's responsibility to mark the border clearly.

Cambodia's damages claim 'can be settled' [... so claims Anupong Paojinda]

15/05/2009
BangkokPost.com

Army chief Anupong Paojinda is confident that Thailand can negotiate with Cambodia after the neighbouring country demanded Thailand to pay 70 million baht for damage caused to a merket in fatal border clashes last month.

Gen Anupong also said he believes the demand comes from private sectors, not from the Cambodian government.

He said military officers of both sides can work together very well, thus he believes the issue can be solved.

According to reports, the Cambodian Foreign Ministry demanded US$2,150,000 for 319 Cambodian families who have lost their livelihood after 264 stands within the market were completely destroyed.

The clashes on April 3 took place near the ancient Preah Vihear temple area. Three Thai soldiers were killed and a Cambodian market next to the temple ruins was burned down when Thai forces fired rockets over the border.

CACJE's declaration on the claim made by Thailand FM spokesman

Cambodian Action Committee for Justice & Equity (CACJE)
No: 3 Fountain Ave. Cranston RI, 02920 Web: www.cacje.net, Email: cacjepress9@gmail.com
"CACJE is an Alliance for People Power, Promote Social Justice & Support Human Equity"

No: 0049 / CACJE

14th May 2009

DECLARATION

Cambodian Action Committee for Justice and Equity (CACJE) opposes categorically the declaration of Thai Foreign Ministry's spokesman Mr. Tharit Jarungwat who claims shamelessly that Cambodia could not ask for compensation from Thailand for border clash in April 3, 2009 because the clash site is on the Thai territory.

The baseless claim of Thai Foreign Ministry’s spokesman shows not only the volition of Thai government to ignore his own history but also to look down the Cambodians victims of the Thai Army aggression who lost their lives and their entire livelihood.

Cambodia Foreign Ministry should protest and urge Foreign Ministry of Thailand to condemn and categorically reject the claim of Thai Foreign Ministry's spokesman Tharit Jarungwat relative to Preah Vihear aggression.

CACJE would like to remind the public and the world, in order to solve the borders conflicts of Cambodia versus Thailand, Vietnam and Laos the best way to fix it is to bring this affair under the auspice of the Security Council of the United Nations (UNSC). Only the international treaties and universal treaties might provide the best protection to Cambodia.

Signed
SOURN SEREY RATHA
Chief Mission

Money row over border fight

A Cambodian soldier stands at the site of a market that burned during the most recent flare-up of fighting at Preah Vihear. (Photo by: Tracey Shelton)

Thursday, 14 May 2009
Written by Cheang Sokha
The Phnom Penh Post

Cambodia, Thailand each demand compensation for damages

Government officials warned Wednesday that while Cambodia continues to seek a peaceful resolution to its border dispute with Thailand, its patience will run out, as both sides demand compensation over the latest bout of fighting.

"Our solution is very patient, but this is limited and one day when our patience is over, we will use another mechanism," said Koy Kuong, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

On Monday the ministry sent a diplomatic note to Thailand demanding US$2.1 million in compensation for the destruction of a market near Preah Vihear temple that was destroyed when clashes broke out on April 3.

The government blames Thai rocket fire for the blaze, which destroyed 264 stalls.

Koy Kuong said the ministry has not yet received an official response from Thailand over its demands.

But a spokesman for the Thai Foreign Ministry told media on Tuesday that not only would Thailand refuse to pay, it would seek compensation from Cambodia over the deaths of three Thai soldiers.

"We have always clearly stated that area belongs to Thailand and that Cambodian soldiers illegally trespassed into our territory," Tharit Charungvat told AFP on Tuesday.

"We are working on the amount of compensation that we are seeking from Cambodia too, as our soldiers died," he added.

Koy Kuong downplayed the Thai spokesman's remarks, saying, "We do not consider the comment of the Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman as the stance of the Thai government because we have sent an official diplomatic note and they have not responded yet."

In its note to Bangkok, the government said the loss of the market was "causing great hardship and misery to 319 families who have lost their entire livelihood".

It added, "The Royal Government of Cambodia demands that the Royal Thai government take full responsibility."

Cambodia was awarded Preah Vihear temple in 1962, but Thailand is laying claim to 5 square kilometers next to it.

Sacrava's Political Cartoon: Bt 75M Compensation

Cartoon by Sacrava (on the web at http://sacrava.blogspot.com)

The Nation calls Cambodia's demand for compensation "ABSURD

Absurd demand prolongs border dispute

May 13, 2009
The Nation

Cambodia's compensation claim for conflict damages is another step backward for peace at historic temple site

It goes without saying that both Thai and Cambodian policy-makers should take to heart the old saying - you reap what you sow. It was revealed yesterday that Cambodia has demanded Thailand pay more than US$2 million(Bt69million) in compensation for damages caused by the Thai Army during clashes along the common border.

In a diplomatic note to the Thai Foreign Ministry, Phnom Penh said the April 3 clashes destroyed 264 stands at a market in front of the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple and that the destruction has created great hardship for 319 families who lost their livelihoods as a consequence.

In April, Cambodian and Thai troops deployed to this contested area exchanged artillery, mortar and automatic weapons fire. However, this latest wave of tension began last year when the then government of Samak Sundaravej endorsed Cambodia's bid to have Preah Vihear listed as a World Heritage site, providing the then anti-government yellow-shirt movement with ammunition to attack the government and the then foreign minister, Noppadon Pattama.

To make matters worse, Unesco, the UN cultural agency that oversees such heritage listings, ignored an injunction from a Thai court and went ahead and approved Cambodia's bid for the temple to receive the much-desired status. The Thai court had ruled that the then government did not have the approval of Parliament to accede to Cambodia's wishes.

Since then, the disputed border area has witnessed several gun battles. A number of soldiers from both sides have been killed or injured. Both sides have refused to back away from their positions, even after rounds of negotiation and golf games at the expense of the taxpayer.

Tension between Thailand and its neighbours is nothing new, and problems flare up every now and then. Sometimes these incidents come out of nowhere. Sometimes they are accompanied by a good dose of politics, designed for the self-serving gain of certain figures or political cliques. Sometimes they are the result of simple bad judgement by policy-makers.

It is obvious that the current spate of tension between Thailand and Cambodia is tainted by gutter politics - stemming from the Samak government's go-it-alone endorsement without the approval of the Parliament here. To compound the issue, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen issued an ultimatum for the withdrawal of Thai troops from the border area. He did not spell out the consequences if this did not happen, but the war drum was heard loud and clear in Bangkok. Then the former yellow-shirt activist, Kasit Piromya, the current foreign minister of Thailand, stepped in and called Hun Sen a "thug".

In spite of the handshakes and shuttle visits by political bigwigs, the dust has yet to settle. The issue simmers on, as demonstrated by this latest absurd demand from Phnom Penh. It comes at a time when the two sides should be talking about demilitarising the area and coming up with ways to reconcile differences and move on.

Such demands make us feel that Cambodia is not sincere about reconciliation and sees tension as a zero-sum game. But in fact it is the self-serving gutter politics of both countries that are at fault.

It has been consistently pointed out that landmines along the overlapping border have been freshly laid. Knowing that Thai troops patrol these paths year after year, one has to wonder why Cambodian troops would take such action? Moreover, the fact that a growing number of Cambodian villagers are being moved out of the area and replaced by Cambodian troops suggests to the world that Phnom Penh is on the warpath. So much for reconciliation; so much for Asean and its half-baked slogan of "one family".

Perhaps policymakers from both countries should come up with their own money to pay for the damages suffered by people on both sides of the disputed border. Policymakers are notorious for being corrupt. Perhaps they should use some of their ill-gotten gains as compensation for the communities along the border.

FM Kasit rejects Cambodia's call for compensation

Hun Sen fooled by Kasit one more time? (Photo: TNA)

May 14, 2009
By Supalak Ganjanakhundee
The Nation

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya dismissed yesterday Cambodia's compensation demand for damage to a market in front of Preah Viehar temple in a border skirmish in April.

"We have to understand it was a military clash and there are rules of engagement for the fighting. We have already made clear the buildings are in Thai territory," Kasit said.

Phnom Penh demanded compensation of more than $2 million (Bt65million) for damage to a total of 246 stands within the market which were completely destroyed, "causing hardship and misery to 319 Cambodian families."

In a diplomatic note to Bangkok on Monday, Cambodia demanded the Thai government take full responsibility for this damage by Thai soldiers and to appropriately compensate for the losses.

Kasit said security agencies were collecting information over the incident in the vicinity of the Hindu temple on April 3 in which three Thai soldiers were killed and many other people injured.

However, Thailand would not make a counter demand to Phnom Penh and would not reply to the Cambodian diplomatic note, he said.

The Preah Vihear, as ruled by the International Court of Justice in 1962, belongs to Cambodia but its surroundings are claimed by both sides and have not yet been demarcated.

The border dispute with Cambodia began last year as Thailand opposed Phnom Penh's proposal to list the Hindu temple as a world heritage site due to fear of sovereignty loss.

The dispute sparked military clashes last October and again in April this year.

Unesco approved Cambodia's bid for the Khmer sanctuary in July last year and has begun to survey the areas for a buffer zone.

Kasit warned the UN about doing the job with transparency and with respect for Thai sovereignty over the territory.

"We are collecting information about Unesco and the World Heritage Committee's work to see if they are conducted properly," he said.

Thailand Denies Compensation in Border Row

By Kong Sothanarith, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
13 May 2009

“It means that Thailand does not have the will to settle either the border problem or the question of compensation” - Khieu Kanharith [KI-Media: it's about time the Hun Sen's regime know about this!]

Thailand is unwilling to solve an ongoing border dispute near the Preah Vihear temple, a government spokesman said Wednesday, following Thailand’s refusal to pay more than $2 million after allegedly destroying homes and businesses in April fighting.

The Cambodian Foreign Ministry sent an official request for compensation on Monday, claiming Thai shelling had leveled 264 stores and 319 homes near the entrance to the 900-year-old temple.

Rejecting Cambodia’s claim Wednesday, Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Tharith Charungvat said the area destroyed belonged to Thailand and any suits would have to be filed through Thai courts.

Thai Embassy officials could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

“It means that Thailand does not have the will to settle either the border problem or the question of compensation,” government spokesman Khieu Kanharith said, adding that Cambodia would continue to push Thailand to resolve outstanding disputes.

Hundreds of soldiers and accompanying arsenals from both sides have been amassed along the border since the row began in July 2008, sparked by the inclusion of Preah Vihear temple on a Unesco World Heritage listing.

Small-arms skirmishes, including rocket fire, ensued in October 2008 and April 2009, killing at least three Cambodians and three Thais.

Khieu Khanarith said the Thais intentionally fired on civilian structures in April, a breach of international law.

If Cambodians illegally occupied Thai territories, why didn't Thailand react for the past few decades? Is Thailand that dumb?

April border clash site is on Thai territory : Thai FM spokesman

Wed, May 13, 2009
The Nation

Cambodia could not ask for compensation from Thailand for border clash in April because the clash site is on the Thai territory, Thai Foreign Ministry's spokesman Tharit Jarungwat said.

The clash site is on Thai territory which was illegally occupied by Cambodian civilians, he said, adding the Thai authorities are lenient enough to allow them to do business there for the sake of good relations between the two countries and for humanitarian reasons.

Tharit was referring to Cambodia's demand for the Thai side to pay Bt69 million in compensation for damage allegedly caused by heavy weapons from the Thai army used during the border clash on April 3 near Preah Vihear Temple.

Cambodian Foreign Ministry Monday sent a diplomatic note to Thailand, asking for the compensation. It said the gunfire destroyed 264 stands at a market in front of the temple, affecting 319 Cambodian households.

The Thai foreign ministry will send a letter to Cambodia to reaffirm its stance on the issue, the spokesman said, noting that Thailand had earlier clearly asserted that the area in question belongs to Thailand.

Asked if Thailand would seek compensation from Cambodia for damage on the Thai side, the spokesman said the ministry's Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs is looking into the matters.

Thai Supreme Commander Songkitti Chakkrabat has no concern over Cambodia's demand for compensation: Thailand can explain -sic!-

Songkitti Chakkrabat

Songkitti: Army can safeguard leaders

13/05/2009
BangkokPost.com

Supreme Commander Songkitti Chakkrabat affirmed that the army is ready to safeguard leaders of Asian nations who will attend the Asean+6 summit in Phuket.

Gen Songkitti said the army will follow its rules in adopting security measures for the leaders. He, however, refused to go into detail, saying that it is confidential.

He continued that the army will follow the rule of law if it has to use weapons as part of security measures. He told public not to worry about it.

The supreme commander also said that he believes no Thais would try to obstruct the summit because it is a cooperation of 10 Asean nations to solve problems not related to politics.

On Cambodia's damanding Thailand to pay 75 million baht in compensation for damage caused to a market in fatal border clashes last month, Gen Songkitti said he believes Thailand can explain to Cambodia about the matter. There are committees working on it, he said, adding that he has no concerns over this.

Cambodia's demand for Thailand compensation

Click on the letter to zoom in

Border damages must be paid

The destroyed market (Photo: AFP)

May 12, 2009
AFP

PHNOM PENH - CAMBODIA has demanded that Thailand pay more than two million dollars (S$2.9 million) in compensation for damage caused by deadly border clashes last month, according to a diplomatic note seen on Tuesday.

Seven Thai and Cambodian troops have been killed in recent months during sporadic outbursts of violence between the neighbouring countries on disputed land around the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple.

In the latest clashes on April 3, three Thai soldiers were killed and a Cambodian market next to the temple ruins was burned down when Thai forces fired rockets over the border.

'The attack with heavy weapons by Thai troops on Cambodian territory... caused much damage and set a Cambodian market ablaze,' a diplomatic note sent to Thailand on Monday said.

The material losses to 319 families who had lost their livelihoods when the fire destroyed their market stalls amounted to more than 2.1 million dollars, it said.

'The Royal Government of Cambodia demands that the Royal Thai government take full responsibility for these damages caused by Thai soldiers and to appropriately compensate the above losses,' it said.

Troops from the two countries have been locked in a border standoff since last July, when Thailand was angered by the cliff-top temple being given United Nations World Heritage status.

Ownership of the temple was awarded to Cambodia in 1962 but the two countries are in dispute over five square kilometres (two square miles) of land around it that has yet to be officially demarcated.

Cambodia demands compensation from Thailand for losses caused by Thai troops in Preah Vihear

PHNOM PENH, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian government presents its complaints to Thailand on Monday, demanding compensation for the damage and losses caused by Thai troops' attack early April on its market located in front of the Temple of Preah Vihear.

"The attack with heavy weapons by Thai troops against Cambodian territory in the area close to the Temple of Preah Vihear on April 3 caused numerous damages and set a blaze the Cambodian market located in front of the temple," a note from Cambodian foreign ministry to Thailand foreign ministry said.

"A total number of 264 stands within this market were completely destroyed, causing great hardship and misery to 319 Cambodian families who have lost their livelihood," it said, adding that "the material loss incurred on these families amounts to 2,150,500 U.S. dollars."

"The Royal Government of Cambodia demands that the Royal Thai Government take full responsibility for these damages caused by Thai soldiers and to appropriately compensate the above losses," the ministry statement said.

The Preah Vihear temple became a World Heritage Site of UNESCO in July 2008. Although the International Court in Hague decided in 1962 that the temple and its surrounding area should belong to Cambodia, Thailand has been claiming its archeological value and sovereignty.

Both troops built up within the border area since July 2008, and brief military encounters in October 2008 and April 2009 have sparked concern of possible war between these two countries. Gunfire exchange during the armed clashes also led to bullet pits and other slight wound of the temple.