http://www.mcot.org/query.php?nid=38534

SI SA KET, May 16 (TNA) – The Thai-Cambodian border near Khao Phra Vihear in Thailand’s northeastern province of Si Sa Ket was left deserted today, as stallholders shut up shop and fled amid increasing fears of tension along the border.

Despite reassurances from the government that recent troop mobilizations in the area were a ‘normal occurrence’, the stallholders failed to be convinced, and traders reported a general fear that clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops were imminent.

Although the Thai authorities have not locked the door leading to the historic site, the Cambodian authorities are said to have locked the door on their side of the border.

But Col. At Singhattit, commander of the local army force, insisted that the tension was easing, and denied that there had been any reinforcements of either troops, or heavy weaponry in the area.

He also claimed that tourists were not concerned about the situation, and that huge numbers were still flocking to the natural attraction of Pha Mo
E-Daeng in the province. (TNA)–E006, E002

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