Reuters

Thailand and Cambodia have agreed today to joint military patrols of the disputed border area where two Cambodian soldiers were killed and seven Thai soldiers were injured yesterday. With talks resuming on October21.

Hopes are that this move will diffuse tensions and alleviate the concerns both sides have about soldiers crossing the border. Thai Lieutenant General Wiboonsak Neeparn said today that lack of communication led to yesterdays fighting. Cambodia’s Secretary of State, Khao Kim Hourn, said today that the hope was this would restore calm so diplomatic channels can be pursued.

Reuters

Although tensions have been eased a little by today’s joint announcement troop levels will remain the same on both sides. I can imagine there must be animosity on both sides over yesterday’s clash but hopefully the Thai and Cambodian soldiers can maintain their professionalism and work together patrolling the area without incident.

It’s in both countries best interests to come together and find a peaceful solution to this problem. The best possible outcome would be Thailand and Cambodia developing the Preah Vihear temple site and surrounding area together for the betterment of both countries.

It’s long been known that the easiest access to Preah Vihear comes from Thailand. Thailand can better the infrastructure leading to the Temple and help cash strapped Cambodia develop the site into a first class tourist attraction that would benefit both countries greatly. Of course this could be seen as a loss of face move due to certain Thai groups that still maintain that Thailand is the true owner of Preah Vihear temple.

One thing is certain, both countries have much larger problems, than that of Preah Vihear temple and it’s surrounding border, that need to be addressed.