5 police officers replace soldiers at DMZ

Aug 3, 2011
Bangkok Post

Five policemen will be assigned to the demilitarised zone imposed by the International Court of Justice near the Preah Vihear temple to replace soldiers and paramilitary rangers.

A commissioned police officer and four subordinates will be deployed at a new police sub-station named Phum Srol Pha Mor I Dang, said Pol Maj Gen Sermsuk Weerawong, chief of police in Si Sa Ket province.

The sub-station will be located in front of Pha Mor I Dang cliff in the Khao Phra Viharn National Park and will be about two kilometres from Preah Vihear temple.

Pol Maj Gen Sermsuk said the officers will take over duties from the 23rd Ad Hoc Paramilitary Unit of the Suranaree Task Force and the 6th Infantry Regiment.

The military units will be withdrawn from the provisional demilitarised zone that the international court ordered pending its consideration of Cambodia's complaint on the ownership of the 4.6-square-kilometre swathe of land surrounding the temple.

Army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha said during a trip to Prachin Buri province yesterday that he would not withdraw troops from the disputed area until further discussions with Cambodia.

"As of today, neither side has pulled troops out," Gen Prayuth said. "They must discuss how the withdrawal will take place and whether all troops will be pulled out,"

He said Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon had ordered the 2nd Army to propose to Cambodian regional authorities that both sides discuss the matter at their regional border committee.

The army chief and high-ranking officers of the army yesterday visited the 2nd Infantry Division in Prachin Buri province to inspect their battle readiness.

Gen Prayuth said the army regularly adjusted its forces along the border.A military source said yesterday the army had adjusted its defence plan after Cambodia rearranged forces near the eastern border.