Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen issued an ultimatum to Thailand must withdraw its troops stationed near Preah Vihear temple in 12 hours otherwise a vast army offensive would be launched against Thai soldiers at the border. Thailand and Cambodia claim ownership of the site that was classified World Heritage by the United Nations and recognized by UNESCO as a monument to Cambodia in July 2008. It is then that tensions have mounted a notch in the same month and nearly 1,000 soldiers from both countries took position near the old Hindu temple dating from the 11th century.
The Thai Foreign Minister Sompong Amornvivat came this week hold talks with the Cambodian government in Phnom Penh but during that time many soldiers Thai crossed the border to get into position near the temple of Preah Vihear, which has wiped out the negotiations.
Here is what Prime Minister Hun Sen said: "If the Thai military can not withdraw tonight, they must withdraw tomorrow (Tuesday)." Then he added: "We have been very patient, but I ' have indicated the Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs that the area is a zone of battle for life and death. "
The Defence Minister said that Cambodian troops were heading to the region to oppose the 500 Thai soldiers who crossed the border.
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