Cambodia and Thailand continue troop buildup despite pledge to hold talks

[Coventina]

Source: International Herald-Tribune

PREAH VIHEAR, Cambodia: The military standoff between Cambodia and Thailand entered its fifth day Saturday as both sides continued to reinforce their troops ahead of scheduled talks over a disputed border area near an 11th century temple.

Some 300 more Cambodian soldiers and 100 Thais were seen by Associated Press reporters arriving near the Preah Vihear temple late Friday, although commanders declined to confirm those numbers.

Earlier, Cambodian Brig. Gen. Chea Keo said Cambodia had about 800 troops as against 400 Thai soldiers in the area.

(snip)

Chea Keo said troops from the opposing forces were on the brink of a shoot-out Thursday night when Cambodian monks gathered to celebrate Buddhist lent at a pagoda about 220 yards (200 meters) from the ancient temple.



Read more: http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/07/19/asia/AS-Cambodia-Temple-Dispute.php

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The good news: No shots fired yet & talks are scheduled for Monday.

The bad news: Increasing numbers of soldiers with loaded weapons are still facing off.