Cambodian PM sets Chevron oil production deadline

Tuesday April 6, 2010
AFP

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said Tuesday he would terminate his country's contract with Chevron if the US energy giant does not begin oil production from offshore fields by late 2012.

Following the discovery of oil in 2005, Cambodia was quickly feted as the region's next potential petro-state, but production has stalled as the government and Chevron appear to have failed to agree over revenue sharing.

"There is no oil production yet, but we have said that Chevron must produce oil by late 2012, otherwise we will have to terminate the contract, (if) negotiation cannot reach an agreement," Hun Sen said.

The Southeast Asian nation is sitting on an estimated hundreds of millions of barrels of crude, and three times as much natural gas.

It remains unclear how much can actually be recovered, or if potential revenue would be used to benefit Cambodia. Previously the premier has warned it was "highly premature" to estimate how much oil underseas reserves might hold.

On Tuesday Hun Sen dismissed concerns over how Cambodia -- ranked among the world's most corrupt countries -- would use its new-found oil and gas wealth.

"Up to this hour, there is not even a drop of oil, but they have been talking about corruption from crude oil since 2002-2003," the premier said, at a meeting of agricultural officials.

"Don't talk about using the money, but let's talk about making money. I am a bit angry when they talk about corruption as we have not had a drop of oil," he added.

Last year a report by London-based corruption watchdog Global Witness criticised Chevron for failing to disclose the amount of money it allegedly paid to secure rights to drill for Cambodia's offshore oil.

The report, called "Country for Sale", said revenues from Cambodia's oil and mineral wealth were "jeopardised by high-level corruption, nepotism and patronage" in allocating and managing the assets.

Cambodian PM gives Chevron ultimatum on oil [-Hun Xen in a hurry to see the oil curse?]

04.06.10
By SOPHENG CHEANG
Associated Press

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia -- Prime Minister Hun Sen pressed Chevron Corp. on Tuesday to get crude flowing from this impoverished country's first major oil discovery, threatening to cancel its rights to the offshore site if production does not start by 2012.

Hun Sen's announcement reflected the government's urgency about reaping oil revenues it says will help to finance develop and reduce poverty.

Chevron drilled 15 wells in 2007 at the site, Block A, west of coastal Preah Sihanouk province, and says it is evaluating its commercial potential.

"We have given a deadline to the Chevron company to produce oil by the end of 2012. If not, the contract will be terminated," Hun Sen said at a graduation ceremony on the outskirts of the capital, Phnom Penh.

A spokesman at Chevron's regional headquarters in Singapore declined to comment on Hun Sen's remarks without knowing their full content.

However, Chevron said in a statement that it is "aligned with the Royal Government of Cambodia's desire to see production from Block A as soon as economically possible. The first oil date is reliant on a successful exploration program, and is dependent on achieving key milestones."

Companies from Australia, China, France, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea also have expressed interest in exploring Cambodian waters for oil.

Critics have expressed concern that oil income could exacerbate Cambodia's already rampant corruption if the government fails to develop a proper legal environment to manage the expected windfall.

Thaksin not behind border flare-up: Anupong

October 17, 2008
The Nation

Army chief General Anupong Phaochinda yesterday described the rumour that ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra was behind the recent flare-up of violence along the Thai-Cambodian border unfathomable.

"It's an issue too deep to speculate about. Even if it were true, it would be impossible to confirm," Anupong said.

Speaking on TV Channel 3, Anupong and commanders of all of the armed forces, including the police chief, declined to speculate as to why Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen had given Thailand an ultimatum to withdraw its troops from the overlapping claims.

Thai armed-forces commander General Songkitti Jakkabatra suggested Hun Sen might have been misinformed about the situation along the border.

Meanwhile, Thai and Cambodian troops along the overlapping claims near the ancient Preah Vihear Temple grinned nervously as their respective commanders announced the two sides would conduct joint patrols but hold their ground.

Lt-General Wiboonsak Neeparn, commander of the Second Army Area, told reporters after his meeting with Cambodian officials that joint patrol should "prevent this kind of incident from happening again".

He said artillery and heavy weaponry would remain in place and not be pulled back for the time being.

"Thailand keeps its promises, but if Cambodia does not, [violence] could happen again," he said after the five-hour meeting.

He said talks would resume next Tuesday in Siem Reap but cautioned that more fighting was possible.

While most soldiers along the border were tight-lipped, a group of Thai paramilitary rangers near Pha Moh I-Daeng cliff said joint patrols were not exactly progress.

"We already ate from the same rice pot with the Khmer soldiers and conducted joint patrols with them in the disputed territory. But one bad day, politicians decided the two sides should fight," said one ranger, who asked not to be identified.

"It's bad enough to be working in this mine-infested area. We don't need any more of this," said another.

Two Cambodian soldiers were killed and seven Thai troops injured on Wednesday when tensions spilled over into a shoot-out.

Immediately after the two-hour clash, political leaders from both sides worked hard to discredit each other's claims about who fired the first shot and who captured whom.

Major-General Srey Deok, commander of Cambodian troops in the disputed border area, said his men had released 10 captured Thai rangers and handed back their weapons. Thailand, however, insists that none of its troops was captured.

Sacrava's Political Cartoon: The Death-Zone

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

Phnom Penh announces Thai pullout, Bangkok denies

10/14/2008
AsiaNews.it

CAMBODIA – THAILAND

Both sides issue statements and denials with regards to disputed border area. Cambodians claim Thais pulled back; Thais reject claim. For decades the Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO world heritage site, has been at the core of a dispute between the two neighbours.

Phnom Penh (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Cambodian claims that Thai troops pulled back from the border a few hours before its ultimatum expired (noon local time) has been denied by Thai authorities. "We are still there," said Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat who is also the country’s Defence Minister, after a meeting with Army chief General Anupong Paochinda and foreign ministry officials.

Cambodian Prime minister Hun Sen gave Thailand a noon deadline today to withdraw all its troops from an area adjacent to the Preah Vihear temple on the Thai-Cambodian border or face a "large-scale conflict.”

Thailand’s response was immediate. Thai army spokesman Sansern Kaewkumnerd denied the Cambodian claim that Thai troops had withdrawn from the disputed area. He reiterated instead his country’s willingness “to continue with bilateral talks, but if the situation escalates, we are ready.”

Furthermore, Thai Foreign Minister Sompong Amornwiwait said about 80 troops went into the disputed territory on a mine removal mission after two Thai soldiers lost legs earlier this month when they stepped on land mines.

Tensions between the two neighbours heated up last August after UNESCO declared the Preah Vihear Temple a world heritage site in July.

The holy site, which is located on a promontory, belongs to Cambodia in accordance with a decision made by the International Court of Justice in 1962.

The surrounding area, no more than 4.5 km2, is however at the heart of a dispute between the two neighbours, each claiming substantial chunks of the other country’s territory.

The Thai military controls the main roads into the Temple area and some border sections are not clearly demarcated, factors which have fuelled tensions between Phnom Penh and Bangkok, which have in recent weeks deployed respectively 800 and 400 soldiers along the border.

The Nation: Hun Sen bangs the war drum too early

October 15, 2008
The Nation

"Perhaps if the Khmer Rouge had held a course on Leadership 101 for its cadres, Hun Sen would be a different person."

Cambodian PM's threat of military action over disputed border territory is a gross overreaction

No one really knows what went on at the closed-door meeting on Monday evening between Thai Foreign Minister Sompong Amornwiwat and his Cambodian counterpart, but Cambodian PM Hun Sen wasted no time in making his point. An ultimatum was issued even before Sompong touched down on Thai soil: Hun Sen gave Thailand until midday yesterday to withdraw troops from areas of overlapping territorial claim or he would use military force to resolve the matter. Sompong, not known for his diplomatic finesse, was just as bullish. He suggested that folks in Phnom Penh need to cool down and added that such areas around the Preah Vihear Temple belong to Thailand.

"The problem is not about withdrawing or not withdrawing - it's our territory. How can they tell us that it is their territory?" Sompong told reporters.

"As soon as I returned, there was a report of a deadline. What can we do? We are in our own homeland, and they want us to evict us from our own home."

Like everybody in Thailand, Hun Sen is frustrated that a resolution to the three-month border stand-off is moving at a snail's pace. Tensions between the neighbours first flared in July and escalated into a six-week military face-off on a small patch of land. Up to 1,000 Cambodian and Thai troops were involved. In August both sides agreed to reduce troop numbers. Part of the reason for the slow pace has to do with the fact that Thailand is going through one of its worst political crises in decades. The government has not been able to formally receive its mandate from Parliament and will not make any unilateral move on foreign policy matters for fear of violating the Constitution.

The tit-for-tat action continued yesterday with both sides bluffing one another. Hun Sen maintained his tough rhetoric, saying he has "Ordered all military commanders to take responsibility for the area. The area is a life and death battle zone. Ants can hurt elephants. They [the Thais] should not have done this."

Not long after that, Cambodia's top general told reporters that some 80 Thai troops had already pulled back. But the Thai Foreign Ministry shot back, accusing Hun Sen of violating the spirit of neighbourliness.

If Cambodia resorts to force, "Thailand will have to exercise its right of self defence," the Foreign Ministry said, adding it was investigating whether Phnom Penh had violated an international treaty by laying new landmines in the area.

The tension began when the temple was awarded World Heritage status by Unesco, with the endorsement of the Thai government. The UN cultural body and the Cambodian government ignored a plea from the Thai courts, which had concluded that the endorsement by the then government of Samak Sundaravej was unlawful.

So much for good neighbourliness and so much for a cultural body whose short-sightedness did absolutely nothing to assure peace and stability between the two neighbours. Unesco acted as if its World Heritage status was some god-given right and ignored the fact that a strongman in Phnom Penh was exploiting it for political gain.

The Monday-night war drum was not the first time Hun Sen has crossed the line with Thailand. His unwarranted comments on the Thai ability to chair Asean meetings still ring in the ears of many in Bangkok. No Asean members belittled Cambodia when it was at its nadir; there was only a genuine desire to help.

Perhaps if the Khmer Rouge had held a course on Leadership 101 for its cadres, Hun Sen would be a different person. The recent commentary, "The World Leader in Corruption Is - Cambodia" by Joel Brinkley, the former Pulitzer Prize-winning foreign correspondent for The New York Times and now a professor of journalism at Stanford University, will give a better understanding of the man who runs Cambodia.

Like the Thais, the Cambodian people deserve better than shortsighted leaders who will do anything to score quick political points, even if it means putting people's lives at stake.

Thailand to Act in Self-Defence If Cambodia Uses Force - Thai Foreign Ministry

Tuesday, 14 October 2008
The Nation

If Cambodia resorts to use of force, Thailand will have to exercise its right of self-defence as provided under the Charter of the United Nations: Thai FM

Tensions along Thai and Cambodian border have flared up again on Tuesday after Thailand refused to follow Cambodia's threat to withdraw its troops from an area near Preah Vihear Temple.

Thai Foreign Ministry's statement said, ""If Cambodia does resort to the use of force in accordance with its so-called ultimatum, Thailand will have to exercise its right of self-defence as provided under the Charter of the United Nations."

Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen issued the ultimatum on Monday, saying Bangkok could face large-scale conflict if Thailand failed to abide by his threat.

He issued the threat after Thai Foreign Minister Sompong Wongsawat met with his Cambodian counterpart Hor Nam Hong in a border meeting in Phnom Penh on Monday. "The Veal Intry area is the dead or alive point for us "The situation at the Veal Intry area is too hot. They have to remove tonight or tomorrow. If they don't remove from the Veal Intry area, war will be waged," he said.

Meanwhile Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat on Tuesday chaired an urgent meeting to discuss about the matters Cambodia's threat to start war if Thailand did not evacuate its troops from an area near the Preah Vihear Temple.

Somchai reiterated that it is not possible for the Thai troops to withdraw from the area. "It is like you are asked to retreat from your own house," he said.

Thai premier quoted Sompong as saying that he was surprised that Hun Sen made such a threat after the meeting. "During the meeting, Prime Minister Hun Sen seemed to have no problems on the matters. It was surprising that he came out of the meeting room to say that," Sompong said.

Sompong told the meeting in Phnom Penh that Thailand will not have any problem to withdraw if Cambodia did the same to avoid any confrontation.

Asked whether he will telephone Hun Sen about the issue, Somchai said he will look into details and surrounding circumstances before deciding the next step.

PM Hun Sen warned Thailand: withdraw or face a ‘Death Zone’

Opinion by Khmerization

14th October, 2008

I advocate that some sorts of strong diplomatic, and to a certain extent, strong military pressures, be exerted on Thailand. By saying this I mean that, should Thailand refuse to withdraw its troops, some sorts of armed clash should occur, especially at Ta Moan Thom, Ta Krabey and Phnom Trop. And any attempts by Thai troops to cross into Cambodian territories in the future must be met with armed resistance. These sorts of actions are the effective deterrence against future encroachments, as has been proven by the actions of the Laotian troops.

At long last PM Hun Sen has done what should be done a long time ago, and that is warning Thailand of a 'death zone'. The strong reactions displayed by Mr. Hun Sen and that of Foreign Minister Hor Namhong in the face of continued territorial violations by Thailand and its refusal to withdraw troops from Cambodian territories are signs that the Cambodian patience is wearing thin and that Mr. Hun Sen is stepping in the right directions and his strong statements against Thailand’s aggression should be wholeheartedly welcomed by all Cambodians from all political persuasions.

I have been advocating for a strong reaction for sometimes to these Thai flagrant and gross violations of Cambodian sovereignty and territorial integrity. In the face of renewed and continued violations and Thai intransigence, Cambodia must send a strong message to Thailand that its actions could no longer be tolerated by Cambodia.

Since Cambodia’s inactions and, to a certain extent, frightened reactions, to the first Thai invasion of the Preah Vihear area on 15th of July 2008, Thailand has been waging a campaign of relentless violations of Cambodian territories without any attempts to resist those violations from the Cambodia troops. Preah Vihear, Ta Moan Thom, Ta Krabey, O’plok Damrey in Pursat, Veal Indri at Phnom Trop and as recently as a few days ago, a Buddhist pagoda at Rumchet at Choam Ksan of the Golden Triangle between Laos, Thailand and Cambodia’s borders have been encroached by Thailand. These sorts of violations must not be allowed to go unchallenged. They must be stopped at all cost.

I, and I hope that other compatriots, have also said in the past that the continuation of bilateral talks with Thailand will produce no results because Thailand was not and has never been sincere in its talks with Cambodia, as was evident in the many fruitless bilateral talks in the past. Thailand came to the negotiating tables just to appease Cambodia and the UN Security Council not to get involved. The same will happen with the future meetings that were agreed on Monday. The only solutions Thailand want out of the meetings are that Cambodia must agree to give ownership to Thailand all the territories it has claimed and occupied.

If Cambodia does not resort to using force to deter future encroachments, Thailand will continue to encroach at its free will. And unless Cambodia will seek international involvements, or by using force to push Thai troops out, Thailand will never withdraw from the Cambodian territories that they have occupied and the Thai occupation of those territories will be a fait accompli.

Cambodia might be no match for Thailand militarily. The same can be said of Laos. But Laos has taught Thailand a lesson at the battle of Ban Romklao in 1989 when nearly 600 Thai troops were massacred by Laotian troops during the fighting for the control of that village. Since then, Thailand never mess around with Laos anymore. And a few days ago Laotian troops had fired on a group of Thai soldiers trying to trespass Laotian territories. The Thai troops withdrew in split seconds.

In drawing an analogy with the Laotian situation, Cambodia should employ the same actions a long time ago, when Thailand first sent in their troops to invade Preah Vihear. If Cambodia was firm then, encroachments at Ta Moan Thom, Ta Krabey, O’plok Damrey and Veal Indri at Phnom Trop would never have happened.

In summing up this editorial, I advocate that some sorts of strong diplomatic, and to a certain extent, strong military pressures, be exerted on Thailand. By saying this I mean that, should Thailand refuse to withdraw its troops, some sorts of armed clash should occur, especially at Ta Moan Thom, Ta Krabey and Phnom Trop. And any attempts by Thai troops to cross into Cambodian territories in the future must be met with armed resistance. These sorts of actions are the effective deterrence against future encroachments, as has been proven by the actions of the Laotian troops.

Thai troops pull out from Veal Entry

14 Oct 2008
By Leang Delux
Cambodge Soir Hebdo
Translation from French by Tola Ek
Click here to read the article in French

Hun Sen, who launched an ultimatum to Thai troops to leave the area today before noon, said that the control of this territory abutting Preah Vihear temple as an “issue of life and death.”

Thai troops pulled out at 10:20 AM from Veal Entry (Eagle Field), a zone located between the mountain and the disputed pagoda, a military source indicated at noon time today, following Hun Sen’s ultimatum launched yesterday and reiterated this morning on TV.

Yim Pim, an officer in charge of an army unit in Veal Entry, confirmed this withdrawal to “Cambodge Soir Hebdo.”

“We consider the sovereignty over Veal Entry as a strategic point of life and death,” Hun Sen threatened on Tuesday morning. “To lose this spot means the loss of the control of Preah Vihear. We will keep Veal Entry, whatever the cost will be.”

“A spokesman from the Bangkok government said that this area belonged to them,” Hun Sen said in anger. “How could this be? They just entered the area yesterday!”

Reacting to the “concern” expressed by Singapore, chair of ASEAN, Hun Sen declared: “We are more worried than they are, this is our territory that was violated.”

“If Thailand considers Cambodia as being negligible, let them say so!” Hun Sen added. “However, the ants can also disturb the sleeping elephant. They can step on my toe, but not on my head.”

Thailand wants to resolve border dispute through talks

Tuesday, October 14, 2008
BLOOMBERG

Thailand said it wants to resolve a border dispute with Cambodia through talks, rebuffing a deadline from its Southeast Asian neighbor to immediately remove troops from the area.

"Both sides should move to avoid confrontation,'' Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat said. A Thai-Cambodian committee set up to discuss the dispute should decide "the distance and where'' the soldiers will move. ``If we withdraw the troops now, we don't know exactly at which point to go.''

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Monday demanded that Thailand immediately withdraw troops from the area or face "large-scale armed conflict.''

Thailand withdraws troops from disputed border area with Cambodia

Tuesday 14th October, 2008
Kyodo

PHNOM PENH — Thailand has withdrawn all of its troops from an area of the border hotly disputed with Cambodia ahead of a Tuesday noon deadline set by Cambodia, Cambodia military officials said. Gen Neang Phat, vice minister of National Defense, confirmed to Kyodo News that, ‘‘Thai troops have completely withdrawn from Veal Entry as of 11 a.m. and the situation has returned to normal now.’’

Cambodia’s claim that Thai troops have withdrawn from its soil came after Thailand and Cambodia reached a deal in two rounds of negotiations Tuesday morning involving regional military commanders of the two sides, the sources said. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen had warned Monday that war with Thailand might erupt if 84 Thai soldiers who allegedly crossed about 1,000 meters into Cambodian territory on Monday morning were not withdrawn by Tuesday.

Hun Sen on Tuesday morning gave a noon deadline for Thai troops to withdraw from the disputed territory, saying, ‘‘Even at any cost, Cambodia will not allow Thais to stand in our land.’’

Cambodia: Thai troops retreat from disputed border

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Thai troops retreated from a disputed border area Tuesday, easing tensions after Cambodia's prime minister issued an ultimatum that the troops withdraw or face unspecified consequences.

Cambodian army commander Brig. Gen. Yim Pim said all Thai troops in the area had retreated to their camp about half a mile from the contested territory some 90 minutes before the noon deadline set by Prime Minister Hun Sen.

"The tense situation has now eased," Yim Pim told The Associated Press.

A Thai army spokesman could not be immediately reached to confirm the withdrawal.

Earlier Tuesday, Hun Sen had warned Thailand to pull back 84 troops from the area by noon. He accused the troops of crossing into Cambodian territory near the 11th century Preah Vihear temple, which has been a source of enmity between the two countries for decades.

"They must withdraw," Hun Sen said during a speech at an economic conference in the capital, Phnom Penh. "I have set the timeline for them to withdraw by 12 o'clock." Noon in Cambodia is 1 a.m. EDT.

"At any cost, we will not allow Thai troops to invade this area. I would like to be clear about this," Hun Sen said. He added that he had ordered Cambodia's army chiefs to "take full responsibility over this area. It is a life-and-death battle zone."

Thailand's Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat said earlier in the day he had ordered the army to "take care of the situation so there is no violence."

"We do not object to redeployment so there is no confrontation," Somchai told reporters as he headed into Tuesday's weekly Cabinet meeting.

Both countries have long claimed Preah Vihear, but the World Court awarded it to Cambodia in 1962. Sovereignty over some of the land around the temple, however, has not been clearly resolved.

Tensions flared July 15 after UNESCO, the U.N. agency, approved Cambodia's bid to have the Preah Vihear temple named a World Heritage Site. Both sides deployed troops to the border and at several points came close to armed clashes.

Two Thai soldiers lost legs earlier this month after stepping on land mines, three days after a brief gunfight broke out between soldiers from the two sides. One Cambodian and two Thai soldiers were wounded. Both sides claimed the other fired first and blamed each other for being on the wrong side of the border.

Hun Sen met Monday with Thai Foreign Minister Sompong Amornwiwat, but the meeting appeared to end without a resolution.

He said Monday, "We told them that if they do not stop (trespassing), armed clashes will break out."

There has been a limited troop withdrawal from the area since, and talks have been held several times to resolve the conflicting claims, but without much progress.

Cambodia: Thai troops retreat from disputed border

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — A Cambodian army official says Thai troops have retreated from a disputed border ahead of a noon deadline issued by Cambodia's prime minister.

Cambodian Brig. Gen. Yim Pin, tells The Associated Press that all Thai troops had retreated from the contested area.

Yim Pin said Tuesday that "The tense situation has now eased."

Earlier, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen had warned Thailand to withdraw troops by noon or face unspecified consequences.

A day earlier, Hun Sen had warned that "armed clashes will break out" if Thai troops did not retreat.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information.

Cambodian ultimatum: [Thai] PM meet military brass on border disputes

BANGKOK, Oct 14 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minster Somchai Wongsawat called the country's military brass to meet Monday afternoon to assess the ongoing Thai-Cambodian border disputes after bilateral talks between the two nation's foreign ministers failed to reach agreement.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen reportedly issued an ultimatum to Thailand to withdraw troops from the disputed border by noon.

Mr. Somchai said before the weekly cabinet meeting Tuesday morning that he had invited the military commanders to meet at 2.00 pm (1400 hours) to discuss how to ease the tension between the two neighbouring countries.

The prime minister said he had telephoned to keep in touch and discuss the issues with his Cambodian counterpart from time to time and he believed that the two countries could eventually find the best solution together.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sompong Amornvivat, who met his Cambodian counterpart Hor Namhong Monday morning in Phnom Penh for border talks, said the border disputes could be settled via bilateral mechanisms.

He advised that the two countries' leaders should discuss the issue.

Heated words were reported by Associated Press which quoted Mr. Hun Sen, Cambodia's prime minister as having issued an ultimatum to Thailand to withdraw its troops from the disputed area by noon Tuesday or face a "life-and-death battle zone."

Mr. Hun Sen accused Thai troops of advancing on a border area called Eagle Field near the temple in an attempt to occupy Cambodian land, it said.

Meanwhile, Thailand's Cambodian border provinces were tense following the Khmer premier's warning.

Thai rangers were on high alert at the Ta Muen and Ta Kwai Krabey temples in the northeastern province of Surin bordering Cambodia after finding hundreds of Cambodian troops reinforcements in Banteay Ampil district of Oddar Meanchey province just 20 kms from the Ta Muen temple.

Cambodian military personnel were observed to be carrying heavy weapons.

Meanwhile, another unit of Khmer troops were approaching Ta Kwai Krabey Temple.

Thailand's Second Army Area Command affirmed that every step that the Thai military personnel had taken was in Thai territory, but as a precautionary measure, the army had ordered its personnel and civilian volunteers on alert, but there were no movements of forces.

At Si Sa Ket province, the army warned villagers along the border to be prepared for evacuation while the military units were preparing their arms.

The public was warned to avoid travel to the Preah Vihear vicinity for their safety.

In Chantaburi, Thai and Cambodian traders rushed to finish their business as they feared that the border pass may be closed if a clash occurs.

Anupong, PM call urgent meetings on border row

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

(BangkokPost.com) - The Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, Gen Anupong Paochinda, on Tuesday morning held an urgent meeting with relevant army officials to discuss the deepening border row between Thailand and Cambodia. The meeting was held at the Royal Thai Army Headquarters.

Prime Minister and Defence Minister Somchai Wongsawat, meanwhile, called another urgent meeting with armed force commanders and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to assess the situation after Cambodia told Thailand to withdraw troops from the disputed border area before noon Tuesday.

On Monday, the Cambodian authority said a "large-scale" armed conflict may happen, if Thai troops fail to be withdrawn from the border area near the ancient temple of Preah Vihear immediately.

In the meantime at Khao Phra Wihan (Preah Vihear) National Park, many Cambodian soldiers with full arms were dispatched near the temple and most of them were former troops of Khmer Rouge who were very familiar with the border surroundings and environment.

Thai armed forces consequently had tightened security around the national park.

However, the Commander of the Second Army Region, Lt-Gen Wiboonsak Neeparn, on Tuesday morning claimed that the situation at Preah Vihear had returned to normal, as troops from both sides engaged in more talks and shared a better understanding.

The Thai soldiers will do their best to protect the country’s sovereignty, Lt-Gen Wiboonsak added.

Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister Sompong Amornvivat affirmed that Thai soldiers were patrolling with the Thai border and did not trespassed into Cambodia's territory.

He said Thai troops will not abandon the border area despite the neighbouring country's threat to launch an offensive attack.

"We are in our homeland. How can they expect us to leave our home," Mr Sompong told the reporter.

The minister believed the border dispute can be alleviated through dialogues between Prime Minister Somchai and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen.

Cambodia issues ultimatum to Thailand to withdraw

Tuesday, October 14, 2008
By KER MUNTHIT

"We do not object to redeployment so there is no confrontation" - Somchai Wongsawat

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodia's prime minister issued an ultimatum to Thailand to withdraw troops from a disputed border area by noon Tuesday.

Prime Minister Hun Sen's warning came amid rising tensions over a stretch of border near the 11th century Preah Vihear temple, which has been a source of dispute between the two countries for decades.

Hun Sen accused Thai troops of advancing on a border area called Eagle Field near the temple in an attempt to occupy Cambodian land.

"They must withdraw," Hun Sen said. "I have set the timeline for them to withdraw by 12 o'clock." Noon in Cambodia is 1 a.m. EDT.

"At any cost, we will not allow Thai troops to invade this area. I would like to be clear about this," Hun Sen said. He added that he had ordered Cambodia's army chiefs to "take full responsibility over this area. It is a life-and-death battle zone."

Thailand's Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat said he had ordered the army to "take care of the situation so there is no violence."

"We do not object to redeployment so there is no confrontation," Somchai told reporters, adding that he was not aware of Hun Sen's deadline.

Both countries have long claimed Preah Vihear, but the World Court awarded it to Cambodia in 1962. However, sovereignty over some of the land around the temple has not been clearly resolved.

Tensions flared July 15 after UNESCO, the U.N. agency, approved Cambodia's bid to have the Preah Vihear temple named a World Heritage Site. Both sides deployed troops to the border.

A brief gunfight broke out between the two sides early this month, with one Cambodian and two Thai soldiers wounded. Both sides claimed the other fired first and blamed each other for being on the wrong side of the border. Three days later, two Thai soldiers lost legs when they stepped on land mines in the area.

Hun Sen met Monday with Thai Foreign Minister Sompong Amornwiwat, but the meeting appeared to end without a resolution.

He said Monday, "We told them that if they do not stop (trespassing), armed clashes will break out."

Hun Sen sets Tuesday noon as ultimate time for Thai troops withdrawal from border area

Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen speaks to the media after a meeting with Thailand's Foreign Minister Sompong Amornvivat at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Phnom Penh October 13, 2008. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

PHNOM PENH, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen here Tuesday set 12:00 a.m. (0500 GMT) as the ultimate time for over 80 Thai troops to withdraw from the Veal Intry area, about 2,000 meters west of the Preah Vihear Temple.

Both commanders have been discussing the issue since 08:30 local time Tuesday at the area, the premier told the Fourth Asia Forum, which was attended by hundreds of foreign guests and diplomatic corps.

"If the talk fails, weapon conflict will break out. But we don't want to see weapon conflict occur," he said.

The Veal Intry area is a very important location for reaching the Preah Vihear Temple, he said, adding that the Thai troops want to cut the road to the temple.

"I told Thai Foreign Minister Sompong Amornviwat yesterday in a candid talk that he has to tell Thai premier that the Cambodian side won't bear any loss of its land to Thailand," he said.

Thailand shouldn't treat Cambodia like this, because both are members of ASEAN and neighboring countries, he said.

Cambodia and Thailand used to have good cooperation with each other, especially in the field of fighting against terrorism, he said.

"The (usual) relationship between the two sides still continues normally at this minute," he added.

Here Monday, Hun Sen once asked Thailand to evacuate its troops from the Veal Intry area within 24 hours, and warned of war otherwise.

"The Veal Intry area is the dead or alive point for us," he told reporters at the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation after meeting with visiting Thai Foreign Minister Sompong Amornviwat.

"The situation at the Veal Intry area is too hot. They have to remove tonight or tomorrow. If they don't remove from the Veal Intry area, war will be waged," he added.

The Veal Intry area is on the Phnom Trap hill side, approximately 2,000 meters from the west side of the Keo Sikha Kiri Svara Pagoda, which is situated on the only way leading to the Preah Vihear Temple.

In July, tensions ran high after the ancient Preah Vihear Temple was awarded world heritage status by UNESCO, angering nationalists in Thailand who still claim ownership of the site.

The tension later turned into a military confrontation, in which up to 1,000 Cambodian and Thai troops faced off for six weeks. In mid-August, most troops evacuated and just a few dozen soldiers stationed near the temple.

However, bilateral talks to discuss withdrawing troops from around the temple were postponed late August amid political turmoil in Thailand.

In October at the border area, at least one Cambodian soldier and two Thai troops were wounded during an exchange of gunfire, and two other Thai soldiers were seriously injured after stepping on a landmine.

Cambodia issues ultimatum to Thailand to withdraw

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodia's prime minister has issued an ultimatum to Thailand to withdraw its troops from a disputed border area by noon or face a "life-and-death battle zone."

Prime Minister Hun Sen's warning Tuesday came amid rising tensions over a disputed stretch of border near the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple.

Hun Sen accuses Thai troops of advancing on a border area near the temple in an attempt to occupy Cambodian land.

Hun Sen warns that he has "set the timeline for them to withdraw by 12 o'clock." Noon in Cambodia is 1 a.m. EDT.

He says that he had ordered Cambodia's army chiefs to "take full responsibility over this area. It is a life-and-death- battle zone."

War threat [-Sompong; No Thai troops will be withdrawn as of now]

Tuesday, October 14, 2008
By Thanida Tansubhapol and Wassana Nanuam
Bangkok Post

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen ordered fresh troops to the border with an ultimatum to Thailand: Pull military forces back today or the border will become a "life and death battle zone".

Hun Sen told reporters in Phnom Penh that he had warned Thailand's visiting Foreign Minister Sompong Amornvivat that without a quick pullout, Thai soldiers could face being fired upon by Cambodian troops in "large-scale armed conflict".

"If they cannot withdraw tonight, they must withdraw tomorrow," said Hun Sen.

"We have tried to be patient, but I told the Thai foreign minister today that the area is a life-and-death battle zone."

His comments came after talks with Mr Sompong in Phnom Penh.

Mr Sompong also met with his counterpart Hor Namhong in a bid to resolve the dispute over the area near the ancient Preah Vihear temple.

The Cambodian foreign minister said yesterday's talks failed to end in agreement because his Thai opposite number "could not sign anything".

Hun Sen and Hor Namhong both told reporters that Cambodia could choose to take the border dispute before an international court if it was not resolved soon.

The comments made by the Cambodian prime minister and foreign minister surprised Mr Sompong and Thai officials, who were adamant that the meetings had not been a failure.

Mr Sompong said the tone during the meetings between the two countries had been different as the Cambodian leaders agreed that both sides had to be patient in resolving the border spat.

He said no Thai troop withdrawals would be made from the 4.6 sq km overlapping area between Kantharalak district in Si Sa Ket and Preah Vihear province of Cambodia until the dispute over ownership is cleared through negotiations in the Joint Boundary Commission that was set up to demarcate the land border.

Thailand reiterated its ownership over the area, Mr Sompong said in Bangkok and rushed to report the talks to Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat.

Suranaree Task Force commander Maj-Gen Kanok Netrakavaesana will hold talks with his Cambodian counterpart tomorrow on the border issues and the Thai and Cambodian defence ministers will meet next Tuesday , according to Mr Sompong.

Cambodian Deputy Defence Minister Gen Neang Phat said more Cambodian troops were heading to the area after up to 500 Thai soldiers had tried to cross the border near an ancient Hindu temple that is claimed by both countries.

"We are building up our troops at the border in response to Thailand, but I cannot reveal the number," he told reporters.

Maj-Gen Srey Deok, who oversees the Cambodian military in the disputed area, said: "Thai troops have already entered the area. They are confronting our troops."

But Maj-Gen Kanok denied that more troops had been sent to the disputed area near the Preah Vihear temple.

Thailand and Cambodia have 10 soldiers each at the Keo Sikha Kiri Svara pagoda near the Preah Vihear temple and 45 around the compound on joint patrol, according to the agreement between the two countries to ease border tension.

The two countries also have back-up troops near the border.

The number of soldiers there remained unchanged, Maj-Gen Kanok said.

Maj-Gen Kanok slammed Cambodia for distorting information and taking advantage of the political crisis in Thailand to launch an offensive move for its own political benefit.

The Suranaree chief, his patience wearing thin, called for a quick solution to the border spat and a clear direction to be provided by the government as it could become an armed conflict if it was left unsettled.

"I want the government to solve this problem and make it clear what to do. If it is left this way, nobody knows what is going to happen," he said.

Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia first flared in July after the Preah Vihear temple was awarded World Heritage status by the World Heritage Committee.

The International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that the temple belongs to Cambodia, but the surrounding land remains in dispute.

Tensions escalated into a military confrontation in which up to 1,000 Cambodian and Thai troops faced off for six weeks.

The two countries have swapped accusations of violating each other's territory in the dispute.

(with Agency reports)

Leave disputed area or face "death zone," Cambodia tells Thailand

A Cambodian soldier stands guard in July at an entrance gate to Preah Vihear temple on the Cambodian-Thai border. (Heng Sinith/Associated Press)

Monday, October 13, 2008
CBC News (Canada)

Thailand has 24 hours to pull its troops out of a disputed border region that includes an ancient temple, Cambodia's prime minister warned Monday on threat of violence.

"Thai troops must withdraw from Cambodian land by tomorrow at the latest," Hun Sen told reporters after meeting Thai Foreign Minister Sompong Amornvivat in Phnom Penh.

"We will not allow them to occupy our land."

Both countries have laid claim to the Preah Vihear temple complex, an ancient Hindu site built by the same Khmer dynasty as the internationally renowned Angkor Wat temples in central Cambodia.

"We see that territory is our land, too. What would it mean if we retreated?" Sompong told reporters in Bangkok.

"If the Cambodians think it is their land, too, we should start bilateral talks to sort that out very quickly."

Thailand's failure to immediately withdraw, however, will incite Cambodian forces to turn the area into a "death zone," Sen said.

Cambodian troops are en route to the disputed territory to counteract up to 500 Thai soldiers who have crossed the border, Cambodian deputy defence minister Gen. Neang Phat said Monday.

Decades-old dispute

The dispute has simmered for decades but came to a head in July when UNESCO accepted Cambodia's request to declare the temple complex a World Heritage Site, a move seen in Phnom Penh as de-facto international recognition of its claim.

Thousands of heavily armed soldiers from both sides rushed to the disputed 460-hectare area, about 250 kilometres north of Phnom Penh, and faced off in hillside trenches just metres apart from one another.

Since then, two Thai soldiers have lost their legs in blasts from landmines strewn around the temple. A number of others from either side have been wounded during exchanges of fire.

Both countries are members of the Association of South East Asian Nations, or ASEAN, which has previously offered to mediate in the dispute. No consensus could be reached, however, on how best the organization could be involved.

Thai forces occupied land around the temple in 1954 when France withdrew its soldiers from newly independent Cambodia.

International legal authorities have found in favour of Cambodia's claim in the past, but Thailand has rejected such rulings.

Cambodia has since appealed to the United Nations Security Council to help resolve the standoff.

With files from the Associated Press and Reuters