Cambodia, Thai Soldiers Enjoy New Year's Dance near Border

04/01/2010
Xinhua
Web Editor: Zhang Xu

Some 80 Cambodian and Thai soldiers enjoyed a New Year's dance last weekend, a festivity that helped the two sides of armed forces to know each other and exchange gifts, a senior military official said Monday.

Major Gen. Srey Doek, commander of Division 3 based at Preah Vihear Temple said some 30 Thai soldiers and 50 Cambodian soldiers who are all based along the two countries' borders had enjoyed a Jan. 1 gathering.

He said during the gathering, both sides had exchanged gifts, sharing fruits, drinks and danced to the music together for about two hours at Choam Te border point, about 18 kilometers from Preah Vihear Temple.

He said during the gathering, both sides had pledged that regular meetings shall be held in order to avoid any armed clash.

Since the border conflict between the two nations began last year, two times of armed clashes had occurred, during which several soldiers from both sides were killed and injured.

Cambodia and Thailand believe in Buddhism and they enjoy similar culture, tradition and round dance (Roam Vong Dance).