It seems the cheer brought from the announcement earlier this week that the Preah Vihear border would be open this weekend is short-lived; both governments have decided to delay the reopening of the border by another month due to disagreements over specific conditions at the border.
No Thai troop withdrawal from contested Si Sa Ket border zone: PM Abhisit
MCOT News, 01 December 2010
Border reopening delayed
Phnom Penh Post, 01 December 2010
Thai troops stationed at the Thai-Cambodian border in Si Sa Ket province will not be withdrawn when Cambodia reopens the border gate to the 11th century Preah Vihear temple this weekend, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Wednesday.
Mr Abhisit said the number of soldiers stationed at the border will remain the same and as he has clearly stated that troop withdrawal is impossible if Cambodian communities, markets and temples remain in the disputed 4.6 sq km area.
Initial reports that some Khmer communities and markets had already moved from the area, but their temples have not yet been relocated, he said, adding that the Thai authorities were to verify the report.
