Border troops reduction following Hun Xen’s order

Monday, August 24, 2009
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata

Following Hun Xen’s order to cut troops at the Preah Vihear temple area, a report indicated that Cambodian troops stationed along the Preah Vihear temple border are gradually being reduced and they were sent back to their original barracks. General Srey Doek, the Cambodian army commander defending Preah Vihear temple region, told The Phnom Penh Post on Sunday that a number of troops reduction took place as ordered by Hun Xen. A number of soldiers are returning to their barracks in various provinces since yesterday. Srey Doek indicated that this reduction will not affect the border protection in Preah Vihear temple region because the situation there is returning back to normal. Furthermore, Srey Doek indicated that each Cambodian soldier stationed along the border can take responsibility for their bases. Srey Doek added if the situation requires for the return of the soldiers, these soldiers will need only 20 minutes.

Troops face difficulties … reduction is needed

Monday, August 24, 2009
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata

On Sunday, General Yim Pim, commander of Cambodian army unit No. 8 and a former Khmer Rouge army commander, said that several soldiers posted along the border are facing difficulties, therefore a reduction should take place because, right now, the border situation in normal. He added that the presence of locally based soldiers at these (border) locations should be enough to protect the present conditions as Cambodian soldiers know the region very well and they are used to living in the forest, as well as facing malaria and other diseases.

Tea Banh supports Hun Xen’s order for border troops reduction

Monday, August 24, 2009
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata

In support of Hun Xen’s order to reduce troops along the Preah Vihear temple border, Tea Banh, the vice-prime minister and minister of Defense, said that Hun Xen’s declaration and decision were correct. Tea Banh said that: “There is nothing to worry about the security any more. We don’t have any problem along the border anymore.” Tea Banh indicated that top-ranking Thai army officials will visit Cambodia on Monday to discuss with General Pol Saroeun, the commander-in-chief of the RCAF, about the strengthening the relation and bilateral cooperation between Thailand and Cambodia. Regarding the presence of Thai battleships at the maritime border, Tea Banh said: “There was no Thai naval exercise. They stay inside their waters.”