Thai troops have withdrawn from one temple in the Ta Moan temple complex in Oddar Meanchey province, Cambodia's defense minister said late Tuesday.

The Thai soldiers had occupied Ta Moan Thom temple, situated on the border of Oddar Meanchey province, west of Preah Vihear temple, where a military standoff continued.

The soldiers had pulled back to their "original place" near Ta Moan Thom, which is one of three temples in a complex that is disputed by both sides, Defense Minister Gen. Tea Bahn said.

Council of Ministers spokesman Phay Siphan confirmed Tuesday the Thais had withdrawn.

Officials said last weekend about 100 Thai soldiers had fortified Ta Moan Thom, and that Thailand intended to apply for Unesco World Heritage protection status for the temple.

The inclusion of Preah Vihear temple, where thousands of soldiers on both sides are now entrenched, on the World Heritage list, prompted the recent standoff there.