Thailand refuses to pay the US$2 million demanded by Cambodia for compensatory damages from the firefight which occured in early April. Of course, Cambodia isn’t amused. Still, the two governments are looking to keep the issue of compensation separate from the ongoing border talks.
FM calls on Unesco to act transparently on temple
Bangkok Post, 16 May 2009
Preah Vihear market money row not part of border talks: official
Phnom Penh Post, 15 May 2009
CAMBODIAN officials said Thursday that a row over compensation for damages inflicted during border clashes with Thailand last month should not be part of the larger negotiations on the disputed territory between the two countries.
“We are just demanding compensation from the Thais for damage caused to the property of Cambodian citizens,” Council of Ministers spokesman Phay Siphan said, referring to a US$2.1 million claim made by the government on Monday for the destruction of 264 market stalls near Preah Vihear temple during the fighting.
Talks over the border have lurched along with no clear resolution in sight, as both sides wrangle over a few square kilometres of ground amid a massive military buildup on both sides of the frontier.
