Cambodia cuts forces on Thai border

Cambodia has begun withdrawing some of its troops from its disputed border with Thailand, a move which is likely to ease tensions over the Preah Vihear temple.

Reuters news agency reports the deputy commander-in-chief of Cambodia's armed forces, General Chea Dara as saying the move is a show of the country's "positive position".

Cambodian soldiers stand guard near the Preah Vihear temple. [AFP]

Thailand says it had no plans to follow suit.

The Preah Vihear temple, a 900-year-old Hindu temple, has been a source of tension between the two countries for decades.

The Cambodia and Thailand have been embroiled in a series of standoffs over the temple in the past year, resulting in border skirmishes that claimed the lives of seven troops.

Thailand is challenging a United Nations decision to make the temple a world heritage site under Cambodia's sole jurisdiction.

It wants joint development and supervision of the temple, which could one day become a lucrative tourist site.

Military representatives from both sides agreed on Monday to exercise restraint at the border.

The Cambodian pull-back is due to end on Sunday.

Posted in: Khmer News