Cambodian soldiers turned back 20 Thai soldiers who had
crossed into Cambodian territory in Oddar Meanchey province Wednesday, a
military official said.
The Thai soldiers were found near a waterfall about 1.5
kilometers from the Ta Moan temple complex, which has become a second point of
contention in an ongoing border dispute, said Col. Nak Vong, deputy commander
of Regiment 42, which is stationed in the area.
The soldiers encountered each other at around 10 am, and no
shots were fired. The encounter occurred following a brief gunfight at Preah
Vihear temple on Friday and the injuries by landmine of two Thai soldiers on
Phnom Trop, near Preah Vihear temple, on Monday.
Oddar Meanchey Governor Pich Sokhen said the encounter was a
"simple problem," and many similar incidents had occurred since a
build-up of troops began July 15.
Cambodia
and Thailand
have been unable to solve a military build-up that began following Preah Vihear
temple's inscription on a Unesco World Heritage protection list July 7.
Prime Minister Hun Sen and Thai Prime Minister Somchai
Wongsawat are still expected to meet Oct. 13, despite a Thai political crisis
that devolved into violence in Bangkok
Tuesday.
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