Thai-Cambodian Clashes Bring Aggression Charge

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29901, 15 August 1962, Page 15

Thai-Cambodian Clashes Bring Aggression Charge

(N Z.P.A.•Reuter—Covyrightf • BANGKOK. August 14. Thailand reinforced |x>lice patrols along the tense Thai-Cambodian frontier today after two border clashes, which it called “direct acts of aggression,” by Cambodia.

The deputy chief of the border police, Major-General Krachang Cholpern. flew to the border area this morning for a quick inspection trip. tn a communique broadcast over Radio Thailand last night, the Thai Government said Cambodian soldiers violated Thai territory twice last Saturday and Sunday and clashed with Thai police It said the clashes, in which the Thai police suffered some casualties, were "direct acts of aggression” by Cambodia, Observers in Bangkok said it was the first time that Thailand had accused Cam. bodia of direct aggression since the two countries broke off diplomatic relations last year.

The communique said the first clash occurred on last Saturday when a . Thai police patrol encountered a detail of Cambodian soldiers in Srisaket Province, eastern Thailand. The Cambodians were said to have opened fire inunedi-

ately and retreated after a 10-minute gun battle. The scene of the clash was 15 miles east of the ruined border temple of Phra Viharn. The second action occurred on Sunday and lasted for 40 minu'es The place was not mentioned

The communique warned that Thailand would be forced to take certain measures if Cambodia continued her "direct acts of aggression.

“In such ai eventuality. Cambodia will be sor-y and will be solely responsible for any consequences which may arike,” the communique said The old dispute between Thailand and Cambodia

reached polling point last June when the World Court ruled that the border temple of Phra Viharn. which was occupied by Thai police, belonged to Cambodia. The Court's decision aroused mass demonstrations in Thailand and the Government temporarily boycotted

the 14-nation Geneva conference on Laos and South-east Asia Treaty Organisation meetings. But Thailand later gave up the temple under protest and tension lessened along the frontier. The Thai Cabinet is expected to discuss the border situation at its -egular meeting today. Bu informed sources said the Cabinet Ministers were awaiting the return of General Krachang tor details of the border clashes The sources said the reports on the clashes were received by radio and were scanty.

The Thai Deputy Undersecretary for tlie Interior. Mr Chuang Suwanarat. told reporters that territorial volunteer defence (civil guardi units had been ordered to reinforce the border police He said there had so far been no Army movements.

First reports said Thai police casualties in the border clashes were one dead and two wounded.