KhmerTimes-May 5, 2025
On Friday, military officials from Thailand and Cambodia held talks to reduce tensions after both governments agreed to withdraw their troops from Prasat, Ta Muen Thom, an ancient Khmer temple, in Surin province. The site was reopened at the start of March after it was temporarily closed due to a group of Cambodians spotted there on Feb 13 singing a nationalist song. This symbolic activity is prohibited. Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai provided a briefing after a General Border Committee (GBC) meeting in Bangkok on Thursday, stating that the discussion was about reducing tensions on the border near the ruined temple. Cambodian Minister of National Defence Tea Seiha also attended the meeting. Phumtham confirmed both sides had agreed to pull back troops to their previous positions and exercise restraint. The communication occurred on a government-to-government level. Armed forces chiefs from both sides also discussed the issue, he said. He noted that this was merely a de-escalation of tension and not any indication of Thailand’s claim to the site somehow weakening. A source from the 2nd Army Region said the talks were held on Friday with Cambodian military officials to prevent clashes in border areas, including those near the ancient temple in Surin and Chong Bok in Ubon Ratchathani province. Previously, under a bilateral agreement, both sides were to maintain a five-kilometer buffer zone at these disputed areas. However, both militaries later deployed forces to secure the territories. Talks resulted in both sides agreeing to withdraw to their original positions in line with the outcomes of the GBC meeting on Thursday, said the source. Read more at: https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501679053/troops-withdraw-from-ancient-temple-after-thai-cambodian-talks/
