July 17, 2008
Komfie Manalo - AHN News Writer
Bangkok, Thailand (AHN) - If tensions over the disputed Thai-Cambodian border at the ancient Preah Vihear temple escalate into a shooting conflict, Royal Thai Air Force Chief Chalit Phukbhasuk said on Thursday the air force is prepared to repatriate Thai nationals living in Cambodia.
The Thai News Agency quoted Phukbhasuk as saying, "If the situation worsens, the Air Force can assist on a 24-hour basis and can lift out Thai nationals to repatriate them within one hour. Officials are now well prepared for the operation."
The Thai contingency plan was laid out as security officials, including Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, military commander, the supreme commander and the permanent secretary of defense, are trying to find ways to defuse tension with Cambodia.
Phukbhasuk advised Thais not to enter the disputed area as the situation is volatile.
Both Cambodia and Thailand have reinforced the number of their troops near the historic Preah Vihear temple, which was listed early this month by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Cambodia and Thailand both claim ownership of the 11th century temple which sits on Cambodian soil but is accessible from Thailand. The International Court of Justice awarded the temple to Cambodia in 1962, but the exact demarcation of the border was not fully settled.
Security in the area deteriorated when Cambodian soldiers briefly detained three Thai nationals, including a Buddhist monk who entered the site. The three were later released by Cambodia but refused to leave the disputed area.
Both Cambodia and Thailand have called for talks to defuse the tension over the temple and ordered troops stationed in the area to refrain from using their weapons unless fired upon.
The Thai News Agency quoted Phukbhasuk as saying, "If the situation worsens, the Air Force can assist on a 24-hour basis and can lift out Thai nationals to repatriate them within one hour. Officials are now well prepared for the operation."
The Thai contingency plan was laid out as security officials, including Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, military commander, the supreme commander and the permanent secretary of defense, are trying to find ways to defuse tension with Cambodia.
Phukbhasuk advised Thais not to enter the disputed area as the situation is volatile.
Both Cambodia and Thailand have reinforced the number of their troops near the historic Preah Vihear temple, which was listed early this month by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Cambodia and Thailand both claim ownership of the 11th century temple which sits on Cambodian soil but is accessible from Thailand. The International Court of Justice awarded the temple to Cambodia in 1962, but the exact demarcation of the border was not fully settled.
Security in the area deteriorated when Cambodian soldiers briefly detained three Thai nationals, including a Buddhist monk who entered the site. The three were later released by Cambodia but refused to leave the disputed area.
Both Cambodia and Thailand have called for talks to defuse the tension over the temple and ordered troops stationed in the area to refrain from using their weapons unless fired upon.
