Friday, 12 September 2008

Thai Troops Enter, Exit Ta Moan Temple

By Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
11 September 2008

About 100 Thai soldiers entered a small temple in the Ta Moan complex Wednesday, withdrawing quickly after negotiating with local military commanders.

The Thai soldiers occupied the temple after spotting a group of Cambodian soldiers in an area claimed by Thailand, said Maj. Sim Sokha, deputy commander of Border Protection Unit 402.

The Thai soldiers crossed 200 meters of Cambodian land to occupy Ta Krobai temple, before leaving, he said.

"The Thai and Cambodian sides agreed to withdraw their troops on each side," he said, calling the negotiations "very successful."

The Ta Moan complex, which has three temples on the Oddar Meanchey border, is a second site of contention in a military standoff that erupted over Preah Vihear temple in July.

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