Cambodian and Thai PMs meet over disputed border issue

Hanoi (VNA) – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and his Thai counterpart Samak Sundaravej have had a “cordial” phone conversation relating to the disputed Preah Vihear temple, news reports said.

The two PMs agreed that their defence ministers would meet on July 21 in Thailand to discuss the latest flare-up over competing claims to land around the temple, Cambodian Information Minister Khieu Kanharith was quoted as saying.

They also agreed that “both sides should do the utmost to prevent anything from happening”, he said. According to Minister Khieu Kanharith, Cambodia would not “use force unless attacked” and that the “situation was stable.” Meanwhile, Thai army commander General Anupong Paojinda said he has ordered his troops to refrain from using force.

By July 16, more than 200 Thai soldiers and 380 troops from Cambodia have been deployed around the temple, according to news reports. –