Monday, September 21, 2009

Threat of violence eases on Thai/Cambodian border

Laos News.Net
Sunday 20th September, 2009

Protesters in Thailand have continued to rally peacefully at a disputed temple site on the border with Cambodia.

Only a day after violent clashes injured about 20 people, a tense standoff has been watered down, with protestors on the Thai-Cambodian border accepting an invitation to gather near the 11th century Khmer temple that has caused tensions between the two countries during the past year.

Thai nationalist protesters, wearing distinctive yellow shirts, have called for the Thai government to ensure Thai sovereignty over the area.

On Saturday, about 5,000 yellow-shirt supporters clashed with local Cambodian residents and soldiers. While Cambodia has unilaterally sought UN World Heritage status for the Preah Vihar temple, Thailand wants joint ownership of the site which is only easily accessible from Thai territory.

hai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has expressed regret over the violence, saying the government was working to ensure no loss of sovereignty or territory.

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