THE Second Army Region countered Cambodia’s accusation of destroying a community next to Chong An Ma checkpoint by pointing out it was the neighbouring country that had violated memorandum of understanding (MOU) 2000 by setting it up for military families to dwell there in the first place, Thai Rath newspaper said late afternoon today (July 30).
This followed the Cambodian army having brought a party of diplomats and foreign press to the area opposite this checkpoint in Ubon Ratchathani province where they were shown the damage to civilian homes caused by the Thai side.
The Second Army Region’s security officials clarified that the Cambodian army had established communities and markets for military families to live near the border in violation of MOU 2000 which prohibits any construction so close to the borderline.
There were no casualties as the Cambodian side had already evacuated the community before the clashes broke out with a survey showing that around 400 families had lived there.
This was formerly a temporary border checkpoint and it will now be closed to prevent further settlements and residential development.
Meanwhile acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said he was not concerned about Cambodia having brought military attaches and foreign media to the border today before Thailand did so, pointing out it did not matter which country arranged a tour first.
He has also instructed National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kitrat Phanphet to tell police officers to quickly gather all the evidence before people who were evacuated returned home
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Top and Front Page: The destroyed community near Chong Anmah checkpoint. Photo: Thai Rath
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