Thailand, Cambodia hold border talks

WATCH VIDEO

Source: CCTV.com | 10-17-2008 09:16

Thai and Cambodian army commanders have held talks to resolve an ongoing border dispute.

Cambodian soldiers, foreground, talk with Thai soldiers on a road leading to the famed Preah Vihear temple,  Preah Vihear province, Cambodia, near the Thai border, on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008.(AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

Thursday's meeting comes after a serious clash in which two Cambodian soldiers were killed, and 10 Thai soldiers captured.

Hundreds of Cambodian civilians fled the border area after Wednesday's 40-minute exchange of rocket and gunfire, as both sides rushed troops to the conflict zone.

The clash was the first deadly fighting since July, when UNESCO approved Cambodia's bid to make Preah Vihear temple a World Heritage Site.

The 900-year-old temple has stirred nationalist passions in both countries for generations.

Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat said his policy to resolve the conflict is through negotiations.

Somchai Wongsawat, Thai Prime Minister, said, "We will stick with the talks. The clash was not that big although some soldiers were injured. It was their duty. I also feel sympathy for our soldiers."

Thailand's Defense Ministry said it would send more troops to the disputed border area if needed.

Gen. Apichart Pendit, Thai Defense Ministry Secretary, said, "If it's necessary to reinforce troops, the army will do it. The whole point is to protect our border as we have planned. In practical terms it should not be any problem."

The border talks focused on the cause of the clash and how to ease tensions.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has yet to make any remarks. His foreign minister said it was "not an invasion by Thailand".

There has been no word on the return of 10 Thai prisoners at the temple. Bangkok continues to deny there are any captives.

Cambodia's Foreign Ministry said the group would be treated properly and returned to Thailand if Bangkok requested.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei