Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
On Thursday, the third day of border incident with Thailand, Thai black-clad soldiers camping inside Cambodia’s territories in Preah Vihear temple have not pulled out yet. Quite to the contrary, Thailand had sent in more troops. AFP reported that right now, the number of Thai black-clad soldiers reaches more than 400, they are facing with more than 800 Cambodian soldiers who are stations around the Prasat pagoda, located on the foothill of the Preah Vihear mountain. General Chea Keo, the Cambodian army commander for the Preah Vihear province, told reporters that the situation could turn to the worse if Thailand continues to send in more troops on the region. Chea Keo said that if Thailand continues to add more troops, the situation will be very tense, however, Cambodian troops are holding back. He added: “Thailand wants to provoke us to take the first step, but we try to stay cool.” The AFP reports that Cambodian troops are stationed from the foothill of the Preah Vihear mountain all the way to the top of the mountain, Cambodian soldiers are armed with AK-47 machine guns and B-40 rocket launchers. Meanwhile, Thai troops are stationed inside the empty court of the Cambodian Prasat pagoda which is surrounded by wooden homes covered with tin roof. Chea Keo admitted that Thai soldiers have more modern weapons than Cambodian soldiers, however, Cambodian soldiers are better positioned since it is occupying the top of the mountain.
