PREAH VIHEAR CONFLICT

PREAH VIHEAR CONFLICT

Phnom Penh demands US$2 million compensation for border clash
By The Nation, 12 May 2009



Cambodia has demanded for US$2-million compensation from the Thai side for the damage during clashes between troops of both sides near Preah Vihear temple in April, according to a letter of complaint seen Tuesday.

Phnom Penh submitted the complaint to Thai Foreign Ministry on Monday. The complaint said that the attack with heavy weapons by Thai troops against Cambodia territory in the area near the Hindu temple on April 3 damaged a Cambodian market.


"A total number of 246 stands within this market were completely destroyed, causing great hardship and misery to 319 Cambodian families who have lost their entire livelihood," said a letter. "The material loss incurred on these families amount to US$ 2,150,500," it said.


Cambodia demanded the Thai government take full responsibility for the damages caused by Thai soldiers and to appropriately compensate to the losses, it noted.


Thai Foreign Ministry has not yet made any reaction to the demand.


The border skirmish in April killed three Thai and Cambodian soldiers and injured many others. Phnom Penh did not demand compensation on the lost of its troops.