Ta Moen temple becomes source of new Thai-Cambodia conflict

While I was away at the field over the weekend, another border temple became a source of conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. Despite the sudden media interest, this particular dispute is not new, as Andy Brouwer explains, and has been brewing for some time now. Since the breaking of the “new” conflict, both sides have taken measures to prevent any military standoff, laudably by the Thai side who have withdrawn troops from the area. However, in a bizarre (and probably tit-for-tat) twist, they have also moved to nominate Ta Moan temple as a World Heritage Site.

Thais accused over new temple row
BBC, 03 August 2008

Cambodia starts squabble over second temple
Bangkok Post, 03 August 2008

Thai troops ‘occupy second temple’
Al Jazeera, 03 August 2008

Cambodia, Thailand in standoff over second temple
AP, via Boston Globe, 03 August 2008

New Cambodian allegation
Bangkok Post, 04 August 2008

Thailand, Cambodia agree not to send troops to 2nd disputed temple
Xinhua, 05 August 2008

Thai cabinet approves pullback in Cambodia border spat
AFP, 05 August 2008

Cambodia demands Thai troops pull back
AP, via TriCity Herald, 05 August 2008

Thai troops withdraw from one disputed temple
Reuters, 05 August 2008

Prasat Ta Muen Thom is in Thai soil: Army chief
The Nation, 05 August 2008

Thai FM clarifies troop deployment at Ta Muen Thom
The Nation, 06 August 2008