Suthep says Thailand, Cambodia cutting troop levels

Published: 4/07/2009
Post at: Bangkok Post

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban has said that troop reductions by Cambodia and Thailand are under way in disputed border areas to avoid a violent confrontation.

"Starting today both countries are to begin reducing troops to ease tension and avoid any 'accident'," he said yesterday amid reports that Cambodia had rejected Thailand's proposal for both countries to scale back security forces near the Preah Vihear temple.

Mr Suthep said Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen had given his assurance that both countries would resolve the border conflict by peaceful means.

But he said he could not say how many troops would be cut because the matter was strictly a military affair.

Mr Suthep was in Cambodia last week to meet Hun Sen who told him that Cambodia would try to ease tensions to create a good atmosphere for bilateral economic cooperation.

"Both of us are responsible for the country's affairs, so our words can be trusted and relied upon," he said, adding he and Hun Sen were in constant contact.

The deputy prime minister is due in Cambodia again today to inaugurate the construction of a 131-kilometre-long road linking Sa Ngam, Anlong Veng and Siem Reap together with Hun Sen.
Mr Suthep urged Thais not to worry about the border situation, saying the governments of both countries would take action to prevent violence.

Scond Army chief Wibulsak Neepal said yesterday that Wednesday's talks between him and Cambodia's 4th Army chief Chea Mon on troop cuts had proceeded smoothly.

"Thai and Cambodian troops remain in their positions, but they have been told to take extra precautions, especially in the disputed areas to avoid an accident," he said.

But he said Thailand would not withdraw troops from the border as demanded by Hun Sen. Thai troops would be deployed until a clear demarcation of the border by the joint border demarcation committee is carried out, he said.

Lt Gen Wibulsak said he has ordered soldiers to explain the situation and provide security to villagers along the border in Kantharalak district of Si Sa Ket.

He added that the border situation was under control and there was no need to evacuate residents.